PM meets FIFA president in Jerusalem

Netanyahu meets with FIFA President Sepp Blatter in Jerusalem and says he knows Blatter objects to the politicization of the sport, which should be “a vehicle of goodwill among nations.” He added that Israel provides aid to Palestinian soccer. Netanyahu added that politicization of international soccer would cause the “deterioration of a great institution.”

Blatter tells Netanyahu he is happy to be back in Israel. Soccer is a strong institution and should unite people, not separate them. He said he was certain a solution to the Palestinians’ complaints would be found.

The Palestinian soccer association threatens to bring to a vote a motion to expel Israel from FIFA. The Palestinians claim Israel is not allowing players to cross from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank, and are also unhappy about the inclusion in FIFA of Israeli clubs located in West Bank settlements.