FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged the organization's support to rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza, which has been devastated by recent conflict. This commitment comes amid growing calls for FIFA to ban Israel from international football due to its actions in the region.
Infantino, who attended the Summit for Peace in Egypt, stated that FIFA would assist in restoring football in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. This includes rebuilding facilities destroyed during Israeli military operations, which have resulted in the deaths of over 67,000 people, including approximately 400 footballers, over the past two years. FIFA also plans to launch a fund to support new pitches and youth programs.
"It's something that is really important for FIFA to be here to support, to help, to assist, to make sure that this peace process comes to fruition," Infantino said. He emphasized football's role in supporting, uniting, and giving hope, stating, "We will help to rebuild all the football facilities in Gaza, bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), and create opportunities for children through the game". FIFA intends to contribute with mini-pitches and "FIFA Arenas" and is inviting other partners to join the effort.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has repeatedly requested FIFA to suspend Israel, alleging discrimination and the participation of Israeli clubs based in occupied Palestinian territories. FIFA's disciplinary committee was asked to examine these allegations, but the governing body delayed its decision, stating that the matter would be reviewed by the FIFA Council.
In May, the PFA presented arguments accusing the Israel Football Association (IFA) of violating FIFA statutes through its actions in Gaza and the inclusion of teams from illegal settlements in its domestic league, and requested sanctions against Israel's national side and club teams, including an international ban. The IFA has dismissed these requests as "a cynical political move".
FIFA has faced criticism for its delayed response to the PFA's complaints and for not taking a stronger stance on the situation. Some argue that FIFA's actions are inconsistent, pointing to the swift sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. Others claim that FIFA's neutrality is a political alignment that ignores justice and democracy in its dealings with Israel.
The call to ban Israel from international football has gained traction, with appeals from UN experts, national football federations, and political leaders. These calls highlight the extensive damage inflicted on the sport in Gaza, including the destruction of over 130 football facilities and the killing of numerous athletes. A letter signed by more than 30 legal experts urged UEFA to bar Israel and its clubs from competitions, citing a UN commission report that concluded Israel was carrying out a genocide against Palestinians, while another report states that at least 270 sports facilities have been damaged or destroyed.
Despite the devastation, there remains hope for the future of football in Gaza. Shadi Abu Armanah, head coach of Palestine's amputee football team, had devised a plan to resume training, but every facility they used has been destroyed. FIFA's pledge to rebuild football infrastructure offers a glimmer of hope for the revival of the sport in the region, with Infantino stating that football brings hope to children and that FIFA will help to bring football back to every corner of the country.
