FIFA opens disciplinary proceedings against Palestinian soccer chief

FIFA decides to open disciplinary proceedings against Palestinian Football Association head Jibril Rajoub for alleged incitement ahead of the soccer friendly between Argentina and the Israel in Jerusalem, which was cancelled earlier this month, the Israel Football Association says.

FIFA also rejects a motion by Rajoub for the world soccer organization to change its regulations to take a stronger stance on human rights.

“The ritual repeats itself every time, when Rajoub tries to lead decisions at FIFA against our soccer and the State of Israel,” IFA head Ofer Eini says in a statement. “Thanks to proper and intelligent work we are succeeding to explain to our friends in FIFA what truly hides behind the supposedly innocent proposals of someone who has crossed every red line.”

“Israeli soccer will continue to be part out the international community and the State of Israel will continue to enjoy great sympathy at the world football association,” Eini adds.

The IFA last week filed a complaint against Rajoub and the Palestinian Football Association over Rajoub’s conduct ahead of the Argentina match, which included calls for posters and jerseys of star Lionel Messi to be burned, as well as a threat to thwart Argentina’s bid to host the World Cup in 2030.