FIFA Investigates Israeli Football for Discrimination

FIFA has decided to investigate allegations of discrimination by the Israel Football Association (IFA) based on claims from the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). The PFA has accused the IFA of complicity in violations of international law, discrimination against Arab players, and including clubs from Palestinian territories in its competitions. Despite the PFA's call for Israel's suspension from international soccer, FIFA has not suspended Israel but has tasked its disciplinary committee to explore the claims further. The investigations will also examine the participation of Israeli teams based in West Bank settlements in competitions. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the need for peace in the region, following the advice of independent experts. The decision follows a pattern of FIFA delaying a verdict on the suspension request, as was seen with previous PFA proposals.