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Palestine’s football governing body has issued a strong statement, asserting it will not be party to any “sportswashing” attempts related to Israel’s continued participation in international competitions.
The declaration from the Palestine Football Association (PFA) clarifies its position following the Football Association of Ireland’s (FAI) decision to host its Nations League match against Israel in October at a neutral venue and behind closed doors, following widespread protests.
While expressing “deep appreciation” for the support from Ireland, the PFA explicitly rejected any interpretation of its stance that could offer “political or moral cover for Israel’s continued participation in international football while these grave violations persist.”
The association further stated: “The PFA would not, and will not, be party to any effort that normalises these realities or contributes to the sportswashing of crimes committed against the Palestinian people.”
The Republic of Ireland’s match with Qatar last month was interrupted by a tennis ball protest as fans called for them to boycott their matches against Israel (Getty)
The PFA emphasised its long-standing objective: “Our struggle has always been directed toward ensuring that international football applies its own rules consistently and without exception.”
It affirmed its commitment to pursuing accountability through “legitimate sporting and legal mechanisms to defend the rights of Palestinian athletes, protect Palestinian football, and seek accountability in accordance with Fifa regulations, the principles of the Olympic Charter, and the values that sport strives to uphold.”
The FAI explained its decision to play against Israel behind closed doors in a statement last week.
The statement read: Following consultation with various stakeholders, the Association is of the view that operational challenges could impact on the delivery of the game on home soil, so the fixture will be played away from the Aviva Stadium.
“The Association thanks An Garda Síochana (Irish police) for their support and advice over recent months and states that the decision to relocate to a neutral venue is one that has been considered an appropriate course of action by the FAI Board with the support of Uefa.”
This came after Ireland’s friendly against Qatar in May was disrupted after protesters threw tennis balls featuring the Palestine flag on to the pitch at the Aviva Stadium, while the Irish Sport For Palestine had launched a “Stop the Game” campaign.
