FIFA plans to organize match between Israel, Palestine during September U-15 tournament - report

FIFA, the global soccer governing body, is reportedly planning to propose a match between Israeli and Palestinian youth teams during an under-15 football festival scheduled for September in the United States. The news, reported by The Guardian and The Athletic on Monday, suggests FIFA President Gianni Infantino aims to foster "good relations" between the two associations through this symbolic tournament.

The festival is expected to draw players from all 211 of FIFA's member nations, including Russia, which has been banned from international tournaments since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. This initiative comes after a notably tense situation at a FIFA congress in May, where Israeli and Palestinian soccer executives clashed.

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I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.

During that congress, Palestinian FA President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman when called to the podium by Infantino. Susan Shalabi, Palestinian FA Vice-President, stated that Rajoub refused to shake hands, saying, "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering." Infantino attempted to mediate, urging them to "work together to give hope to the children."

While Infantino's latest proposal for a match is aimed at promoting unity, no official decision has been made. The context of past tensions, including Rajoub's refusal to participate alongside Israeli officials, highlights the complexities FIFA faces in its efforts to bridge the divide through sport.

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We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-President Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.