Palestinians not back down at Israel suspension proposal

Israel could face suspension at FIFA due to discrimination against Palestinian footballers.

On Wednesday, a meeting was held between Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and FIFA President Sepp Blatter in the West Bank city of Ramallah over the issue.

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) says the Israeli regime imposes restriction on the footballers’ free movement.

It also protests against the existence of five teams in the Israeli league that are based in illegal settlements built on occupied Palestinian land.

The PFA also argues that the Israeli federation connives at racial profiling of the Palestinians.

Blatter moved to settle down the dispute by initially meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and subsequently Abbas following a proposal by PFA demanding the suspension of Israel.

PFA chief Jibril Rajoub said at a joint press conference with Blatter that the body would keep “the proposal on the agenda (of the upcoming FIFA Congress) for sincere and open discussions by the FIFA member associations."

"There will be no compromising on free movement of our athletes and officials."

The matter is expected to be put to a vote at the annual FIFA Congress slated to be held on May 29.

The Palestinians would need support from three-quarters of the 209-member FIFA for the proposal to take effect.

Should this happen, the Israeli footballers would immediately lose the Champions League and Euro 2016.

NT/AS/MHB

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