FIFA chief pushes for Israel-Palestine exhibition match at U-15 World Cup opener
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is seeking to stage a ceremonial exhibition match between Israel and Palestine at the Under-15 World Cup set for September in the United States, international media reported Monday. The match is intended to serve as the opening event for the major tournament in New York.
Infantino, a close ally of U.S. President Donald Trump, is said to be advancing the idea as a high-profile gesture around the youth competition. Israel’s football association, according to a report by Kan News, is not opposing the initiative.
The association quoted its chairman, Shino Zuaretz, as saying he has consistently argued that football can be used to advance normalization and peace. “Our hands are always extended to create a better future for everyone. We hope to find a brave partner on the other side as well,” the association said.
The move comes after Infantino faced embarrassment at FIFA’s last congress in April, when he tried to arrange a joint photo between Palestinian Football Association chairman Jibril Rajoub and Israel Football Association vice chairman Basim Suliman. Rajoub refused to cooperate with that initiative.
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