Palestinian soccer players, officials and fans have been accused of failing to impose sanctions and bans on Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza that has killed more than 31,000 people, including 13,000 children, according to health officials. He blamed FIFA.
Calls from Palestinians and their supporters for the sport's world governing body to strike back against Israel have grown in recent months, with calls for Russia and Russian soccer clubs to be banned from all international bans in the event of Russia's invasion. It has been compared to the immediate and decisive stance of banning him from football activities. Ukraine about 2 years ago.
Russia were favorites to qualify for the Qatar 2022 World Cup playoffs, but were directly eliminated by FIFA after the invasion, a decision upheld by the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
But almost six months after the Gaza conflict, FIFA remains mum and Israel is scheduled to play Iceland in the first leg of their Euro 2024 qualifiers. Because of the conflict, Israel's home games were allowed to be played on neutral grounds in Budapest, Hungary.
FIFA acknowledged receiving Al Jazeera's request for comment, but did not respond to inquiries.
The fact that the match will take place has also prompted questions from Iceland's coach, Eiji Hareide, who is concerned about the repercussions if Iceland refuses to take part in the match.
“If you think about what is happening in Gaza and what they have done to women and children and other innocent civilians, you would be hesitant to play Israel. You shouldn't, you shouldn't play this game,'' Norwegian Hareide told PressTV.
“It's very, very difficult and difficult for me to have to stop thinking about these images that we see every day.
“If we don't play, we risk being suspended and facing further penalties by not playing with other member nations.”
“I am appalled, disappointed and outraged.”
Palestinian national soccer player Mohamed Bala has questioned FIFA's impartiality in its “Humanitarian and Equality Campaign” while continuing to avoid war in Gaza.
“These campaigns expose the hypocrisy of FIFA,” Bala told Al Jazeera in the Gaza Strip, which continues to seek security amid Israeli attacks on the enclave.
Bala has moved several times, remains malnourished and has no means of leaving the war-torn area to join a Jordanian football club.
“FIFA immediately banned Russia, why is FIFA still silent?” [on Israel]?We hope all players and officials will support us during this carnage,'' he said.
Many Palestinian players, fans and coaches have been killed or injured in Israeli air strikes, including Rashid Daboul, a star player for the Palestinian national team and Beit Hanoun club, who was killed in his home.
Zuwayda Youth Club goalkeeper Basel Meshmesh was also killed in an Israeli airstrike along with 58 of his family members. Most recently, famous forward Mohamed Barakat was killed when his home in Rafah, south of Gaza, was destroyed by an Israeli bomb.
Sobhi Mabrouk, the manager of Palestinian soccer club Al Salah, lost his brother during the war and feared for his safety, but he never expected world soccer officials to speak out for Gaza. There wasn't.
“I'm sure they will remain silent, so all I want is for this war to end quickly.”
Mr Barra said he was heartbroken to see players and sports staff killed, sports facilities destroyed and football clubs wiped out.
“Israel destroyed me [Palestinian] Al Sadaqa, the club where I spent 20 years,” he added.
“I am appalled, disappointed and outraged. It is heartbreaking.”
“The world must be seen with both eyes to see the truth.”
The current war began on October 7, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing 1,139 people. However, Palestinian soccer players have long faced difficulties leaving the besieged area as part of the national team.
Israel has continued to operate soccer clubs in the occupied West Bank and its illegal settlements, but FIFA previously cited the “extraordinary complexity and sensitivity” and “political” nature of the issue. The court ruled against sanctions against Israel.
With soccer stadiums and sports facilities across Gaza being destroyed or used as makeshift camps for Palestinians detained by Israeli forces during the current war, six Israeli soccer clubs based in the occupied territories are continues to be active.
Like Bala, Ussam Wadi has also not been able to join the national team from Gaza.
“This is not the first time we have been killed, oppressed and subjugated,” he said.
“We were refused entry at the following locations [Israeli] Passed through military checkpoints several times.
“Not only that, but we can't go to the occupied West Bank and compete in the Palestine Super Cup. Even in our homeland, we are restricted and disenfranchised.”
Wadi said Israel is free to play international football “despite committing countless war crimes” despite several Gaza-based footballers being unable to leave the war-torn area. He lamented the fact that he could play.
For Palestinian Premier League fan Mohammad Abed, the reason his homeland has “always been treated differently” is simple.
“FIFA is a racist and hypocritical organization,” he said.
“The world must look with two eyes, not one, to see the truth.”
