The FIFA Disciplinary Committee announced this Thursday (19) sanctions against the Israel Football Association (IFA) for committing “multiple violations of its obligations as a FIFA member association”, including discrimination against the Palestinian people.
The decision was taken after almost two years of investigations by the committee, based on a formal complaint made by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) to the organization’s Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee (GACC) during the 74th FIFA Congress in Bangkok, Thailand, in May 2024.
In the document, the PFA denounced a series of violations of FIFA statutes by the IFA, citing deaths of Palestinian players in attacks on their territory, destruction of sports infrastructure in Gaza, discrimination and racism against the Palestinian people and football clubs participating in competitions in Israel while based in Palestinian territory.
According to the disciplinary committee, the IFA violated articles 13 (Offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play) and 15 (Discrimination and racist abuse) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.
The entity did not apply sanctions to the clubs, only to the Israel Football Association. In addition to paying a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs (around R$995,000) and being warned for the conduct, the IFA will be required to implement a prevention plan in accordance with the following guidelines:
- Display in its next three FIFA A-level home competition matches a “significant and visible” banner reading “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination” next to the Israel Football Association logo. The size, layout and positioning of the banner in the stadium must be submitted by the IFA to FIFA no later than 15 days before each match for approval.
- Within 60 days from this Thursday, the IFA must invest one third of the fine due in implementing a comprehensive plan to ensure action against discrimination and prevent recurring incidents. The plan must be approved by FIFA and must focus on the following areas: renovations, protocols, monitoring and educational campaigns in stadiums and on official channels for an entire season. The remainder of the fine must be paid within 30 days.
“The committee reaffirms that, although its mandate is limited to the application of FIFA’s internal regulatory framework, it cannot remain indifferent to the broader human context in which football operates. Sport must remain a platform for peace, dialogue and mutual respect. Its global reach and unifying power bring with it a responsibility to uphold the values of dignity, equality and humanity — especially in times of conflict and division,” FIFA said in a statement.
The Israel Football Association can still appeal to the FIFA Appeals Committee.
