Palestinians file FIFA complaint over Israeli restrictions

Israel prevented 7 players and staff from Gaza from traveling to West Bank for Saturday soccer match

By Agencies 1 August 2016, 6:25 am
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub speaks during a meeting in the West Bank city of Hebron during which he announced a decision to postpone a rare match between teams from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, on July 30, 2016. (AFP / HAZEM BADER)

JERUSALEM — The head of the Palestinian soccer federation has submitted a complaint to the international soccer governing body, FIFA, after Israel prevented seven soccer players and staff from traveling from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank.

Jibril Rajoub says the Shabab Khan Younis players were attempting to attend the final Palestine Cup match in Hebron. The game, scheduled for Saturday, was postponed.

The Palestinian Cup pits the winners of leagues in the two territories against each other for a place at next season’s AFC Asian Cup

Israel’s Shin Bet security service said the team members were barred due to “severe negative security background.” Israel has maintained a blockade on Gaza since the Islamic terror group Hamas took over in a violent coup in 2007.

Rajoub has led a campaign aimed at having Israel suspended from FIFA because of restrictions on Palestinian players.

Israel has asked FIFA to condemn Rajoub’s hailing of Palestinians who attack Israelis as courageous heroes.

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