FIFA delays review of PFA bid to suspend Israeli Football Association
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FIFA had initially pledged an urgent legal evaluation, stating the complaint would be addressed during an extraordinary council meeting in July.
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This September 25, 2015 file photo shows the FIFA logo outside FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. (AP)
FIFA, world football's governing body, has once again delayed its decision regarding a complaint filed by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) against the Israeli Football Association (IFA) in May.
The PFA has demanded the suspension of the IFA, citing multiple breaches of FIFA regulations.
In July, FIFA agreed to address the matter, committing to a legal evaluation of the IFA's conduct.
FIFA confirmed on Saturday that it "has received the independent legal assessment of the Palestine Football Association’s proposals against Israel."
It added that the assessment "will be sent to the FIFA Council to review in order that the subject can be discussed at its next meeting which will take place in October."
The body had initially pledged an urgent legal evaluation, stating that the complaint would be addressed during an extraordinary FIFA Council meeting in July.
However, last month, the Zurich-based organization rescheduled its ruling, indicating that the council's review would occur in August.
The PFA accuses the IFA of complicity with the Israeli occupation government in violating international law, discriminating against Palestinian players, and overseeing clubs established in illegal Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian territory.
In addition, Israeli occupation forces have killed at least 92 Palestinian players during the ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, according to the PFA.
The Palestinian Football Association has also accused "Israel" of destroying Palestinian football infrastructure, suspending leagues, and forcing the Palestinian National Team to play World Cup qualifiers abroad.
The PFA has called on FIFA to impose “appropriate sanctions” against Israeli teams, including the occupation entity's "national team" and clubs.
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