FIFA suspends Palestinian soccer head for inciting hatred and violence
Jibril Rajoub, the president of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), has been given a one-year suspension by the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), effective on Aug. 24, for inciting hatred and violence against Argentinian soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
Head of the Palestinian Football Association Jibril Rajoub speaks during a press conference in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Sunday, June 6, 2018. Photo by Flash90
The red card comes three months after FIFA launched disciplinary proceedings against Rajoub in response to Israel presenting a complaint over the PFA president’s calls for memorabilia of Messi to be burned, in addition to Rajoub’s threat to prevent Argentina from biding to host the World Cup in 2030.
Rajoub made the remarks ahead of a scheduled friendly match between Israel and Argentina in June that was later canceled amid widespread controversy.
“Sport is meant to bring people together, but Rajoub has tried to use football to tear people apart. FIFA had acted appropriately,” said StandWithUs Israel executive director Michael Dickson. “Palestinian leaders should not be inciting violence, naming sports facilities and tournaments after terrorists or pushing for antisemitic boycotts.”
“Instead, the Palestinian sports authorities should follow the lead of Israeli teams, who integrate diverse players and initiate programs for Jews and Arabs to play together for peace,” added Dickson.
As part of his suspension, Rajoub “will not be able to attend football matches or competitions in any official capacity, which includes, among others, participating in media activities at stadiums or in their vicinity on matchdays,” according to a FIFA statement.
The World Jewish Congress has welcomed the decision.
Following the incident in June, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging the organisation to take punitive measures, calling the subsequent cancellation of the match “a win for the champions of international divisiveness.”
In response to the decision on Friday, WJC CEO Robert Singer said: ““FIFA has sent a strong message to the Palestinian Football Association and its supporters that incitement to terror has no place in our society, on or off the football field. Over the years, the PFA has repeatedly demonized Israel, politicized sports, and encouraged violence, under the guidance of its chairman, Jibril Rajoub. I hope that Mr. Rajoub’s suspension will make it clear that sport is meant to bring people together regardless of politics, race, or religion. We must not let adherence of terror prevail.”
JNS/WJC
