Palestinians Link FIFA Presidential Vote Support to Israel Case

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) is awaiting a decision from the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) regarding its appeal against Israel, a ruling that could influence its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino in upcoming elections. Firas Abu Hilal, Secretary-General of the PFA, stated in an interview with French newspaper L'Équipe that their position on Infantino depends directly on the outcome of their legal case. "We cannot officially say if we are for or against Gianni Infantino," Abu Hilal said, adding, "Our position will be directly dependent on the results of our case before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. We will support anyone who defends our rights and the rights of our athletes."

The PFA filed the appeal with the CAS on April 20 after FIFA decided not to take action against the Israeli Football Association (IFA) following a complaint about the inclusion of teams from West Bank settlements in Israeli competitions. FIFA had cited the "unresolved and highly complex" legal status of the West Bank under international law as justification for its decision. The appeal is proceeding ahead of the FIFA presidential elections scheduled for May 2027 in Morocco. According to the French report, Infantino faces internal challenges, and opponents are seeking a candidate to run against him.

Abu Hilal also indicated that the PFA is unwilling to resume dialogue with the IFA, asserting that the IFA's continued actions prevent them from seeing each other as equals. He referenced an incident at a FIFA congress in Vancouver where Jibril Rajoub declined to shake hands with Bassam Sheikh Suleiman, Deputy Chairman of the IFA, despite Infantino's attempts to foster a joint photo opportunity. Abu Hilal described this as a superficial attempt to pose for pictures rather than genuinely resolve issues.

This legal battle follows a separate Palestinian complaint in March, which resulted in FIFA fining the IFA 150,000 Swiss francs (approximately $163,000 USD) over allegations of racist and discriminatory behavior by the club Beitar Jerusalem and statements made by individuals in Israeli football on social media. The PFA had also invited Infantino to visit the West Bank for the restart of club competitions in September after a three-year hiatus, but he was unable to attend due to prior commitments. In contrast, L'Équipe recalled comments from IFA Chairman Shino Zuarz from about a year ago, expressing hope for normal coexistence with Palestinians, with football serving as an ideal bridge for mutual understanding.