How football's governing bodies support illegal Israeli settlement clubs

How football's governing bodies support illegal Israeli settlement clubs

Palestinian football faces numerous challenges due to the ongoing Israeli occupation, with facilities frequently destroyed or rendered inaccessible by Israeli checkpoints and military closures. Despite these hardships, football teams in illegal Israeli settlements continue to thrive and even receive financial support from international football bodies.

An investigation by Arab Reporters for Investigative Journalism (ARIJ) and Bridges Investigations for Middle East Eye has uncovered that Israeli clubs based in illegal settlements receive backing from the Israel Football Association (IFA) and international governing bodies FIFA and UEFA. FIFA, which claims to respect human rights, has not taken action against these settlement clubs and even broadcasts their matches on its platform, Fifa+.

Mahdi al-Assi, a Palestinian goalkeeper, shares his experiences of the difficulties faced by Palestinian players. He must often endure hours at Israeli checkpoints just to reach a training ground, and training sessions themselves can be disrupted by raids and tear gas. Despite these obstacles, the floodlights are on at a football pitch within the illegal settlement of Givat Ze'ev, where the Beitar Givat Ze'ev team trains on land considered occupied Palestinian territory.

The Israeli Football Association (IFA) has expanded its reach, with nine clubs associated with illegal settlements operating domestically. FIFA's inaction and financial support for these clubs has raised concerns, particularly given the 2022 elections in Israel and the subsequent escalation of the conflict in Gaza, which has led to widespread destruction of sports facilities in the West Bank and the occupied territory.