FIFA has imposed a fine of 150,000 Swiss Francs (£141,700) on the Israeli Football Association (IFA) and issued a warning regarding its future behavior following an investigation into an alleged discrimination offense raised by the Palestine Football Association (PFA).
A disciplinary committee reviewed how the IFA dealt with issues of racism in Israeli football in response to a complaint from the PFA during the 74th FIFA Congress in May 2024.
FIFA determined that the IFA breached “articles 13 (offensive behavior and breaches of fair play principles) and 15 (discrimination and racist actions) of its disciplinary code.”
In addition to the fine and warning, the IFA is required to display a prominent banner featuring the message “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination,” along with the IFA’s logo, at its next three home matches. FIFA specified that the size, design, and placement of the banner must be submitted for approval at least 15 days in advance of each match.
Furthermore, FIFA mandated that the IFA allocate one third of the fine towards developing and implementing a plan aimed at combating discrimination and preventing future incidents.
FIFA also noted that “the decision remains open to a potential appeal” from the IFA.
Additionally, the PFA accused the IFA of permitting football teams from the territory of another association (Palestine) to participate in its national league. In response, FIFA stated that no action would be taken on this matter due to the unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank under international law.
In related news, the Palestine Football Association announced that its national team’s friendly matches against Mauritania and Benin, scheduled to take place in Morocco later this month, have been canceled due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.