Palestinian Football Resumes with "Martyrs' Cup" After Three-Year Hiatus

The Palestinian Football Association has officially announced the resumption of sports activities in Palestine, commencing Friday, September 4, 2026. The suspension, which began in October 2023, was due to the war and the destruction of sports facilities and stadiums. The "Martyrs' Cup" tournament will launch with the participation of 244 clubs from the northern and southern governorates, as well as the diaspora. The association named the tournament the "Martyrs' Cup" in reference to the war's victims.

The Palestinian Football Association shared a video on its official Facebook page documenting the extent of the damage to sports facilities. Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, stated during the draw ceremony that the tournament's launch reflects a unified will across the northern governorates, Gaza, and the diaspora, despite the circumstances imposed by the Israeli occupation. He emphasized the importance of everyone participating in the sports system to protect the Palestinian sports movement and maintain Palestine's membership in continental and international federations.

Rajoub urged club presidents to closely follow their teams and players throughout the tournament. He noted that the association's departments have worked to standardize instructions and guidelines for all aspects of the competition, and that referees were selected with great care. He expressed hope that coaches would approach the matches with sportsmanship and ethical conduct.

Rajoub concluded by asserting that the "Martyrs' Cup" embodies the Palestinian will to overcome the stagnation imposed by the occupation. He announced that on the upcoming Friday, they would head to the stadiums in the West Bank, Gaza, and Lebanon to launch the Palestinian league and the "Martyrs' Cup," stating that the collective focus is on the success of this league.