Palestinian officials expressed frustration after FIFA failed to provide a clear timeline for concluding two investigations into Israeli football, both launched last year.
In October, FIFA tasked its disciplinary committee with examining allegations of discrimination by the Israel Football Association. At the same time, it asked its governance panel to assess whether clubs based in Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank — yet playing in national competitions — violate FIFA’s statutes.
These renewed complaints by the Palestinian Football Association are part of a 15-year push seeking action against settlement clubs.
“Let’s not wait another year. We need to act now,” said Palestinian football official Susan Shalabi, a member of the Asian Football Confederation’s executive committee.
“All we are asking for is a clear update on the status of the matter and an exact date in which the investigation will be concluded.”
Shalabi urged FIFA to set a one-month deadline for the governance panel to report back to the ruling council, chaired by FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
“The Palestinians’ issues in soccer are visible, undeniable but sadly ignored,” she added during a nine-minute speech that received warm applause.
FIFA responded only after no member federation at the Congress, including Israel, accepted an invitation to speak on the issue.
FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström said the investigations were ongoing and required more time, noting that newly elected committee members needed to be briefed on the matter.
“The committees are working diligently to conclude what is clearly a highly complex topic,” he said.
Content Source: sportstar.thehindu.com