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4-22-2026
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has issued a strong response to recent decisions by FIFA’s governing bodies, acknowledging key findings of misconduct within Israeli football structures while sharply criticizing the sanctions imposed as inadequate and inconsistent with the gravity of the violations.
In its statement, the PFA confirmed it has taken note of the rulings adopted by the FIFA Council following investigations conducted by the Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee and the Disciplinary Committee. While reaffirming its respect for FIFA’s institutional framework and legal processes, the association emphasized that the outcome marks only a partial step toward accountability.
Central to the PFA’s response is the Disciplinary Committee’s conclusion that violations of Articles 13 and 15 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code had occurred. The association described this as a significant development, noting that it represents formal recognition by FIFA that misconduct exists within Israeli football structures.
According to the Committee’s findings, the violations were characterized as “serious and systemic,” involving what it termed “institutional complicity” by the Israel Football Association (IFA). The report further identified what it described as a “de facto segregation system” in Israeli football and concluded that such conduct had “brought football into disrepute.” The PFA underscored that these are not minor observations but rather formal determinations by FIFA’s own judicial body pointing to structural issues.
However, the association expressed deep concern that the sanctions imposed do not reflect these conclusions. FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee issued a fine of CHF 150,000, along with a warning and a requirement for anti-discrimination measures such as banners. The PFA pointed out that the financial penalty represents only a fraction—approximately 15 percent—of the maximum allowable under the relevant provisions of the Disciplinary Code.
More significantly, the PFA criticized the absence of any sporting sanctions, despite the Code allowing for measures such as points deductions, exclusion from competitions, or matches played behind closed doors. It highlighted what it sees as a contradiction in the Committee’s reasoning: while criticizing the IFA’s own disciplinary fines on clubs as ineffective and lacking deterrence, FIFA’s sanctions appear, in the PFA’s view, similarly limited in impact.
“This internal inconsistency undermines the credibility of the decision,” the statement argues, suggesting that the outcome fails to align with FIFA’s own assessment of the seriousness of the violations.
The PFA also reiterated that its submissions to FIFA were based on extensive evidence pointing to systemic issues rather than isolated incidents. It stressed that these concerns engage fundamental principles enshrined in Article 4 of the FIFA Statutes, which addresses equality and non-discrimination.
Another key issue raised by the association relates to the longstanding question of territoriality, specifically the inclusion of clubs based in Israeli settlements within the IFA’s football system. The PFA noted that the FIFA Council has chosen not to make a determination on this matter, opting instead to initiate yet another process of engagement.
The association expressed frustration with this decision, pointing out that the issue has been under consideration within FIFA since 2013. It has been examined through multiple channels, including a FIFA Monitoring Committee, independent legal assessments, and expert opinions. According to the PFA, the facts and legal framework are already well established.
“At this stage, the issue is no longer one of investigation,” the statement asserts. “It is one of application.”
Beyond the substance of the decision, the PFA raised concerns about procedural fairness. It revealed that it was excluded entirely from the disciplinary process, despite being the member association whose proposal to the 74th FIFA Congress triggered the proceedings.
The PFA stated that it was not notified of the investigation’s opening, the charges under consideration, or the final decision. It was also not given an opportunity to present evidence, make submissions, or address the proportionality of the sanctions. This exclusion, the association argues, raises serious questions about fairness and equality within FIFA’s processes.
In light of these concerns, the PFA announced its intention to pursue further action through FIFA’s legal framework. This includes exercising its right to appeal before FIFA’s judicial bodies and, if necessary, seeking arbitration through the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
The association emphasized that its objective is to ensure that its rights as a member body are upheld, that sanctions reflect the principle of proportionality, and that FIFA’s statutes are applied consistently and without exception.
Concluding its statement, the PFA framed the issue as one that has moved beyond questions of evidence or investigation. With FIFA’s own committees having established the facts, the association said the focus must now shift to whether those findings will be matched by consequences that reflect their severity.
“This is no longer a question of evidence, process, or investigation,” the statement concluded. “It is a question of whether those facts will be met with consequences that match their gravity—and whether the rules of football are applied equally to all.”
The PFA affirmed that it will continue to engage with FIFA’s institutions while remaining determined to seek what it described as justice, consistency, and finality in the application of the sport’s governing rules.
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