The 34th Asian Football Confederation (AFC) Congress is taking place in Bangkok, Thailand, from May 16th. Our reporter attended the congress and had the opportunity to interview the President of the Palestine FA, General Jibril Rajoub, regarding his views on excluding Israel from all FIFA activities.
In a fervent appeal to the AFC, FIFA, and the broader sports community, Palestinian FA President-General Jibril Rajoub is calling for the protection of Palestine’s rights to develop sports and play football in the occupied Palestinian territories.
According to the President, the territories should enjoy the same rights as the other 210 associations worldwide. However, they argue that Palestine is under a racist and fascist occupation, marked by genocide, apartheid, atrocities, and destruction that hinder their ability to live normal lives and participate in football. They report that more than 283 athletes, employees, referees, and coaches have been killed amid the ongoing conflict.
The situation is dire, with nearly 100 percent of sports facilities and infrastructure in Gaza destroyed and significant damage to seven facilities in the West Bank. The oppressive conditions in the West Bank have led to suspending all sports activities. In light of these unilateral aggressions and atrocities, Palestinian representatives have urged FIFA to continue monitoring the situation closely.
General Jibril Rajoub has highlighted Israel’s violations of human rights, including genocide, destruction, and killings. He also pointed out that Israeli clubs in the occupied territories are playing in the official league, which he claims is against FIFA’s statutes. The Palestinians are calling on FIFA to address these human rights violations and adhere to their own statutes and the Olympic Charter.
“We will not give up,” stated the President. “We hope that the general assembly tomorrow will recognise that it is time to ban Israel from participating in all FIFA activities.”.
Credit Photo : AFC
