During its upcoming meeting in Bangkok on the 17th of this month, the General Assembly of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA Congress) will vote on a request from the Palestinian Football Association to sanction Israeli Occupation from FIFA membership due to the atrocities committed against Palestinians in Gaza, particularly athletes.

The Israeli Occupation aggression against Gaza Strip, starting from October 7, 2023, along with previous violations in Palestinian territories, is cited as the reason behind this call.

The Palestinian Football Association has formally submitted a request to isolate Israeli Occupation from the football community, urging FIFA to include this proposal in the agenda for the upcoming General Assembly.

In January, Prince Ali bin Al Hussein, President of the Jordanian and West Asian Football Federation, emphasized the need for international action to halt Israeli Occupation aggression in Gaza and advocated for isolating Israeli Occupation within the football community. He garnered support from Arab and international football federations.

During the upcoming FIFA General Assembly, the Palestinian request will highlight Israeli Occupation violations against athletes and civilians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This includes casualties among players, referees, coaches, and administrators, as well as destruction of infrastructure such as stadiums and club headquarters. Football stadiums have been repurposed as mass graves and detention centers.

The Jordanian Football Association strongly supports the Palestinian cause within FIFA and has actively sought international support to sanction Israeli Occupation.

Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Association, has revealed a draft resolution submitted to the FIFA Congress, scheduled for May 17 in Thailand, aimed at holding Israeli Occupation accountable for its actions against Palestinian sports during the ongoing Gaza aggression.

Rajoub outlined two key points in the resolution. Firstly, to provide support for sports development across all Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza Strip, in accordance with FIFA regulations. Secondly, to subject the Israeli Occupation Football Association to accountability within FIFA for its actions.

Rajoub accused the "Israeli" Federation of violating FIFA regulations by operating clubs in settlements on Palestinian lands in the West Bank, which are deemed illegal under international law.

Additionally, Rajoub highlighted instances of racism and fascism within the "Israeli" Federation and the impact of Israeli Occupation on Palestinian sports, including the destruction of sports facilities and the deaths of athletes and sports officials.

According to the Palestinian Football Association, since October 7, 256 sports figures, including 41 children, have been killed, with many more missing or arrested, and numerous sports facilities destroyed.

Rajoub criticized the lack of condemnation from the "Israeli" Football Association and called for global support in holding it accountable.

Israeli Occupation's Foreign Minister, Israel Katz, threatened to arrest Rajoub over the Palestinian resolution, which Rajoub condemned as an attempt to intimidate.

Rajoub expressed confidence that continental federations will support FIFA regulations and laws, emphasizing the justness of the Palestinian cause.

He reaffirmed the Palestinian right to manage sports according to FIFA laws and to hold Israeli Occupation accountable for its violations, urging international sports institutions to enforce these regulations against Israeli Occupation.