FIFA delays decision to ban “Israel's” football team.. for third time

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has once again delayed its decision regarding a request from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) to ban the “Israeli” national team from international competitions.

The PFA’s request for FIFA to impose sanctions on “Israeli” football teams, including the national team, stems from ongoing violence in Gaza and reported casualties among Palestinian athletes.

At least 297 footballers are among the 410 Palestinian athletes killed by the Israeli Occupation over the past year, according to recent reports.

FIFA acknowledged receiving an independent legal assessment of the PFA’s proposals but has postponed further discussion.

FIFA has received the independent legal assessment of the Palestine Football Association’s proposals against the Israel Football Association. This assessment will be sent to the FIFA Council to review in order that the subject can be discussed at its next meeting, which will take…

— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) August 30, 2024

“FIFA has received the independent legal assessment of the Palestine Football Association’s proposals against the Israel Football Association,” FIFA stated on its official X account.

“This assessment will be sent to the FIFA Council for review at its next meeting, scheduled for October. FIFA thanks both member associations for their continued support and cooperation,” the association continued.

The PFA had initially sought action from FIFA in May, prompting an urgent legal review.

FIFA promised to address the issue in July but subsequently postponed the discussion to August 31.

The latest delay has moved the matter to October, frustrating many who were hoping for a more immediate resolution.