RJOUB: WE MAY ASK TO DISQUALIFY ISRAEL FROM FIFA MEMBERSHIP

Gaza City, 5 Rabi’ul Akhir 1435/5 Februaryi 2014 (MINA) – A Palestinian official said the continued Israeli occupation measures against Palestinian sports sector violate the FIFA bylaws and the Olympic Charter.

Head of Palestinian Football Association (PFA) Jibril Rjoub said during a meeting with President of FIFA Sepp Blatter that “the PFA may ask FIFA during the July FIFA congress to be hosted by Brazil to strip Israel of Fifa membership,”

Sepp Blatter on Monday chaired a meeting of FIFA Task Force in Zurich aimed at supporting Palestinian sports sector in the presence of representatives of Asian and European football associations, ALRAY, Palestinian Media Agency quoted by Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) as reporting.

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“We are looking forward to find solutions to the problems facing Palestinian athletes pending Israel’s commitment to the FIFA bylaws and Olympic Charter,” Rjoub said.

Rajoub stressed the need that Israel facilitates organizing of international tournaments in State of Palestine, lifting movement restrictions on Palestinian athletes, allowing sports equipment coming from international federations, and allowing the establishment of sports facilities in all provinces of the country.

He added that PFA would ask FIFA to impose sanctions on the Israeli football association in case the later continues the indifference to the Israeli government’s measures against Palestinian sports sector.

Blatter urged Israel to abide by the FIFA bylaws, noting that the problem lies within Israel’s political system.

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He confirmed will visit the region next April to meet with Palestinian and Israeli political officials in order to put an end to the problems facing the Palestinians.(T/P02/E01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)