The Palestinian Football Association called (PAF) on the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) to sanction clubs and teams affiliated with Israeli Occupation "in response to the violation of human rights by its forces in Palestine, especially in Gaza."

In a statement on its official Facebook account, the PFA said that the proposal, supported by six member associations, was sent on March 11th, to be placed by FIFA on the agenda of its General Assembly meeting scheduled in Bangkok, Thailand, on May 17th.

The PFA cited the "the martyrdom of at least 99 Palestinian players since the start of the war in Gaza on Oct. 7, 2023... and the destruction of football facilities."

The Association called for "immediate action" against what it described as "the ongoing violations of FIFA's regulations by the [Israeli] football association," represented by "including football teams located in settlements built on Palestinian land in the Israeli league.”

The Association considered this "a violation of many FIFA regulations” and that allowing “Israeli” football teams which are built on settlements on Palestinian lands explicitly acknowledges the “Israeli” occupation of Palestinian territories on which those settlements are located, which contradicts international law and FIFA's commitments.

The PFA has raised this issue more than once. It reiterated in its statement "its affirmation that negotiations, proposals, and flexible approaches have proven ineffective in addressing these violations."

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