FIFA declines to suspend Israel over West Bank clubs

FIFA’s governing council met on Thursday and decided not to suspend Israel from international football, rejecting a request from the Palestinian Football Association and appeals from human rights groups that argued Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements breach FIFA rules. The meeting, held in Switzerland, addressed the situation in Gaza and calls from several national federations for disciplinary action, but produced no immediate sanctions against Israel or its football association.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, addressing the council, said the organisation could not resolve geopolitical disputes through sport and stressed football’s role in promoting unity. "At FIFA, we are committed to using the power of football to bring people together in a divided world," he said, adding that the body's priority was to foster peace and protect players. FIFA issued a statement saying it will continue to invite stakeholders to engage in dialogue and to seek a balance between club and national team football.

Amnesty International had sent a letter to FIFA and UEFA chiefs urging suspension, arguing that Israeli clubs based in settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory violate...