The Israel Football Association (IFA) has welcomed a decision by a Fifa committee not to take action against it over teams based in West Bank settlements participating in its competitions.
This comes as the IFA was simultaneously fined and warned by a separate Fifa disciplinary body for discrimination.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) had lodged a complaint ahead of the 2024 Fifa Congress, urging Fifa to suspend the IFA due to the involvement of teams from Israeli settlements in IFA-authorised events.
However, Fifa’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC) recommended no action, stating that "the final legal status of the West Bank remains an unresolved and highly complex matter under public international law."
Shlomi Barzel, the IFA’s head of communications, expressed relief, saying: "We are constantly working in various ways to repel time and time again desperate attempts to harm Israeli football for political reasons.
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“This will not stop, but there are those who listened to us with a willing heart and understood very well that they should not fall into this trap. I am convinced that we will continue to face great challenges in the international arena, but also beautiful days on the pitch."
The legal status of the West Bank is contentious; in 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) declared Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem illegal under international law, though Israel considers the territory disputed rather than occupied.
Meanwhile, the Fifa disciplinary committee did impose sanctions on the IFA following another PFA complaint concerning discrimination.
The IFA was handed a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (£142,000) and issued a warning regarding its conduct.
It was also ordered to display a banner reading "Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination" alongside the IFA logo at its next three top-tier home international matches.
Mr Barzel addressed the discrimination ruling, stating: "Even before the fine regarding racism was decided the IFA and the clubs acted, are acting, and will act even more vigorously against the sickening scourge.
“Even if the fine was one dollar, the very use of racism is repulsive. It is never consolation that there is also ignorance in other places."
The PFA has been approached for comment regarding both Fifa committee decisions.
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