OTTAWA, May 1, 2026 (WAFA) – President of the Palestinian Football Association Jibril Rajoub announced that the association has filed an official appeal with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in a move aimed at addressing Israeli violations of international football regulations.
Speaking before the 76th Congress of FIFA in Vancouver, Rajoub said the appeal was submitted on April 22, 2026, and that the association will pursue all legal avenues in accordance with established procedures. He stressed that the goal is not confrontation, but rather “to correct the course” and ensure equal application of the rules across all member associations.
“I stand before you with full respect for this congress, for FIFA’s statutes, and for due legal process,” Rajoub said, adding that he was speaking on behalf of Palestinian players, coaches, referees, and youth who have long faced obstacles in accessing and practicing the sport.
Rajoub noted that the Palestinian FA has consistently called for the equal enforcement of FIFA regulations, particularly regarding the participation of Israeli settlement clubs in competitions organized by the Israeli FA on land that falls under the jurisdiction of the Palestinian FA, without its consent.
He recalled that the issue had been raised in previous FIFA congresses, including the 74th in Bangkok, and that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously described the matter as “urgent.” However, the case was later referred for further procedures, with no final decision issued to date.
According to Rajoub, findings by FIFA’s disciplinary bodies pointed to “serious violations” of regulations related to equality, non-discrimination, and governance. He said these conclusions were made by FIFA’s own committees and not solely by the Palestinian side.
He also pointed to a contradiction in FIFA’s handling of the matter, noting that while the Israeli FA was fined 150,000 Swiss francs under anti-discrimination provisions, no decisive action was taken regarding the broader complaints.
Rajoub emphasized that the Palestinian FA is not seeking a political ruling, but rather the application of FIFA’s statutes, including provisions related to territorial jurisdiction. He warned that allowing clubs to operate in another association’s territory without consent could set a precedent affecting other member associations.
He further raised concerns about discriminatory practices linked to sports activities in settlements, citing reports by rights organizations, and said the absence of firm sanctions risks undermining confidence in FIFA’s governance framework.
He concluded by stressing that FIFA’s credibility rests not only on its global reach, but on adherence to its principles of fairness, equality, and respect for international regulations.
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