The decision was announced on 20/3, following a complaint filed by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) at the 2024 FIFA Congress. The PFA sought an investigation into two main issues: the participation of Israeli clubs based in the West Bank within Israel's domestic league system and allegations of discrimination against Palestinians within the football environment.

In response to the discrimination allegations, FIFA determined that the Israel Football Association (IFA) violated provisions related to offensive conduct, fair play principles, and specifically, the anti-discrimination regulations within its Disciplinary Code. FIFA's Disciplinary Committee concluded that the IFA failed to implement appropriate measures to prevent or address discriminatory and exclusionary acts, including cases affecting Palestinians.

The investigation highlighted accusations that the IFA was inactive regarding discriminatory expressions at certain clubs and provided an inadequate response to controversial statements and actions on social media related to the conflict in the Gaza Strip. FIFA stated that this lack of intervention made the IFA institutionally complicit in actions contrary to football's core values.

Consequently, FIFA imposed a series of disciplinary measures on the IFA. The association was fined 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately 190,000 USD). Additionally, the IFA is required to display the message "Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination" during three home matches in FIFA-managed competitions. The IFA must also implement a season-long prevention plan, focusing on process reform, monitoring, and educational programs to prevent the recurrence of discriminatory behavior.

FIFA also issued a formal warning regarding the IFA's conduct and demanded progress reports on its corrective actions. The decision remains subject to appeal to higher instances within FIFA's judicial system.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at a Peace Council meeting at the U.S. Institute of Peace, 19/2/2026, in Washington, D.C., United States. *Photo: AP*

Regarding the territorial issue of Israeli clubs in the West Bank, FIFA's Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee concluded there were no grounds for disciplinary action. The committee stated that the final legal status of the West Bank remains unresolved and is complex under international law, making it impossible to definitively apply FIFA regulations.

The West Bank is a territory situated between Israel and Jordan, where Palestinians claim sovereignty, but Israel largely controls it. Many Israeli settlements exist here, including football clubs that participate in the Israeli league system.

FIFA aims to continue its mediating role, fostering operational-level dialogue between the PFA and the IFA, and monitoring future developments. This decision means that Palestine's long-standing complaint regarding West Bank clubs will not, for now, result in specific sanctions.

FIFA's ruling immediately drew criticism from several independent organizations, including FairSquare. This group argued that the failure to address the issue of Israeli clubs in the West Bank demonstrates an inconsistent approach, as FIFA avoided a sensitive matter.

By Hoang An (based on Athletic, FIFA)