ZURICH:
World soccer’s governing body FIFA has again delayed its decision on a Palestinian bid to ban Israel from international soccer because of the war in Gaza.
FIFA announced late on Friday that it will now consider proposals from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) against the Israel Football Association (IFA) in October.
The PFA had tabled a motion to suspend Israel in May, with FIFA ordering an urgent legal review and promising to address it at an emergency board meeting in July.
FIFA said last month that the legal assessment would be shared with its board by August 31.
The Zurich-based body said it has now moved the assessment back to October.
“FIFA has received the independent legal assessment of the Palestinian Football Federation’s proposals against Israel,” FIFA said.
“This assessment will be sent to the FIFA Council for review so that the matter can be discussed at its next meeting in October.”
Also read: FIFA delays decision on Israel suspension
FIFA declined to elaborate on the assessment or when the meeting would take place in October.
The PFA did not respond to requests for comment.
The Palestinian proposal accuses the IFA of complicity in violations of international law by the Israeli government, discrimination against Arab players and inclusion in the league of clubs located on Palestinian territory.
The IFA rejected the allegations.
The PFA said at least 92 Palestinian players had been killed in the war, football infrastructure had been destroyed, its leagues had been suspended and its national team required to play World Cup qualifiers abroad.
In its proposal, the PFA wanted FIFA to adopt “appropriate sanctions” against Israeli teams, including the national team and clubs.
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