FIFA proposes ‘Israel’ vs Palestine under-15 match for September
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FIFA is actively considering a symbolic match between the under-15 teams of ‘Israel’ and Palestine as the opening game of its inaugural global under-15 football festival, scheduled for September in the United States.
The proposal is driven by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, according to a report by The Guardian.
The new tournament invites participation from all 211 FIFA member nations and will feature smaller pitches with seven-to-nine-player squads, to promote development and accessibility for young talents.
Organizers envision the ‘Israel’-Palestine fixture as a gesture of “peacemaking”.
This initiative follows a notable incident at FIFA’s annual congress in Vancouver on April 30 where Infantino invited representatives from both associations onstage in an attempt to facilitate a handshake.
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub declined, citing the ongoing situation in Gaza, which drew significant attention and highlighted the challenges of such diplomatic gestures in football.
The ‘Israeli’ Football Association has reportedly welcomed the proposal as a positive step toward peace.
However, the Palestinian side has not yet publicly responded, and sources indicate the plan may encounter substantial opposition from the Palestinian federation.
No final confirmation of the fixture has been announced.
