FIFA Should Give Israel the Red Card
BUREIJ, Gaza Strip — On Friday, the annual congress of FIFA, the governing body of world soccer, is scheduled to vote on a proposal to suspend Israel from the organization. The Palestine Football Association called for this measure because Israel prevents our national team from participating in normal training, travel and competition. If the corruption scandal now enveloping FIFA derails the vote, we will continue to press the issue.
Players, coaches and referees are blocked from moving between the West Bank and Gaza Strip, and frequently are barred from tournaments. Israel has also violated FIFA rules by allowing teams from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank to play in Israel’s leagues. In addition, the Israeli fans of the Beitar Jerusalem club are notorious for chanting “Death to the Arabs” at matches — racist abuse that the Israel Football Association’s token disciplinary measures have failed to deter.
