JERUSALEM, January 24, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities prevented the entry of a shipment of artificial turf intended for Palestinian sports fields, which was provided as an official grant from the government of the People’s Republic of China to the Higher Council for Youth and Sports in the State of Palestine.

The Palestinian Football Association condemned the decision in a statement on Saturday evening, describing the ban as a direct violation targeting the Palestinian sports sector.

The association said the decision, despite the completion of all official and technical procedures, represents a new episode in a series of systematic Israeli violations against Palestinian sports, which the association and Palestinian sports institutions have documented and submitted to relevant international bodies.

It added that the decision also aims to obstruct the development of sports infrastructure and deprive players, especially children and youth, of their right to practice football in a safe environment.

The association stressed that the ban clearly contradicts FIFA regulations and the principles of the Olympic Charter, which guarantee non-discrimination and equal access to sports, and held the Israeli occupation authorities fully responsible for the consequences of the decision.

The Palestinian Football Association expressed its gratitude to the government of the People’s Republic of China for its continued support of Palestinian sports and for the grant, which represents essential support for developing football infrastructure in Palestine.

M.N