19.03.2026 22:30
FIFA announced that it has evaluated the application of the Palestinian Football Association and decided not to suspend Israel from football competitions. FIFA had previously suspended Russian teams from organizations following Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
FIFA made its final decision regarding Israel following the application made by the Palestinian Football Association at the 74th FIFA Congress. According to the statement, no steps will be taken to suspend Israel from football organizations.
'A COMPLEX LEGAL ISSUE'
In the assessment made by FIFA, it was emphasized that the legal status of the West Bank is an unresolved and extremely complex issue in terms of international public law. Therefore, it was stated that it is not appropriate for FIFA to impose a direct sanction within the framework of the current regulations.
EMPHASIS ON DIALOGUE BETWEEN THE TWO FEDERATIONS
FIFA prioritized the continuation of dialogue between the Palestinian Football Association and the Israel Football Association. The statement emphasized that mediation would take place between the two parties and that the process would be closely monitored.
THE PROCESS WILL BE CLOSELY MONITORED
Following the decision made after the review conducted by FIFA's Governance, Audit, and Compliance Committee (GACC), it was stated that developments between the parties would continue to be monitored.
RUSSIAN TEAMS HAD BEEN SUSPENDED
After this decision, FIFA's decision against Russian teams came to mind again. In 2022, following Russia's attack on Ukraine, FIFA suspended Russian clubs from European competitions, completely ending their participation.