FIFA has postponed its decision on the Palestinian bid to suspend Israel from international soccer until after the Paris Olympics, citing requests from both parties for additional time to submit their positions.
In May, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) proposed suspending Israel from FIFA due to the conflict in Gaza.
FIFA responded by requesting an urgent legal review and committed to addressing the matter at a special council meeting in July.
The global governing body of soccer announced that it will present the legal assessment to its council by August 31.
FIFA announced on its X account, “Given the extension requests from both parties, which FIFA has approved, more time is needed to thoroughly and comprehensively complete this process. This ensures that all aspects are carefully considered before reaching a decision.”
The Paris Olympics are scheduled to take place from July 26 to August 11, with the group stage of the men’s soccer tournament beginning on July 24. In the men’s soccer tournament, Israel has secured qualification and will face Mali, Paraguay, and Japan in the group stage.
This week, a report by lawyers specialising in international law urged FIFA to discontinue Israel for breaching multiple FIFA statutes pertaining to human rights and humanitarian goals.
Following the October 7 cross-border attack by Hamas, which Israel reports caused over 1,200 deaths, the ongoing Gaza offensive has resulted in more than 38,000 Palestinian fatalities, as reported by health officials in Gaza.
Israel faces accusations of genocide against Palestinians, which it firmly denies. The Israeli government argues that its military operations are specifically aimed at militants and are designed to thwart any future attacks like the October 7 raid.
These strikes are part of Israel’s broader strategy to secure its borders and reduce the threat posed by militant groups.
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