FIFA to Consider Sanctions Against Israel Football Federation Following Palestine FA Proposal

FIFA’s Council will meet on Thursday to deliberate potential sanctions against the Israel Football Federation (IFF), following a proposal submitted by the Palestine Football Association (PFA). In March, the PFA called for a vote at FIFA’s congress to suspend Israel due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously noted that, after a legal review, the FIFA Council would be responsible for addressing the issue. The council, which serves as the organization’s primary decision-making body, has now included this proposal on its agenda for Thursday’s meeting.

The PFA contends that Israel’s football federation has breached FIFA regulations and is requesting sanctions that would impact both national teams and clubs. Shino Moshe Zuares, president of the IFF, has criticized the move, describing it as a “cynical political and hostile attempt by the Palestinian association to harm Israeli football.”

Due to the security situation, Israel has been forced to relocate its home matches in the Nations League to Hungary. An away game against Belgium was also moved to Hungary for similar reasons. Upcoming matches, including hosting France and playing Italy during the October international break, are similarly under scrutiny.

This FIFA Council meeting takes place against the backdrop of an escalating conflict in Gaza, where Israel launched a military campaign following a surprise attack by Hamas gunmen on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions in Gaza have caused over 41,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry. Meanwhile, tensions have increased with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Iran has also been involved, launching more than 180 missiles at Israel.