Fifa delays decision to sanction Israel Football Association

Fifa announced it would delay its decision to suspend Israel from the international football governing body until October. 

In May, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) submitted a proposal to Fifa, calling for the suspension of the Israel Football Association (IFA). 

In July, Fifa committed to conduct an urgent legal evaluation of the PFA’s proposal.

“Fifa has received the independent legal assessment of the Palestine Football Association’s proposals against Israel,” the organisation said.

“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 place in October.”

The PFA has accused the IFA of complicity in violating international law by discriminating against Arab players and including clubs located in Palestinian territories in its league. The IFA has denied these claims.

The PFA also said in its proposal that at least 92 Palestinian players have been killed in Israel's war since it began in October 2023, adding that football infrastructure has been destroyed, leagues have been suspended and the national team has been forced to play World Cup qualifiers abroad.