Vancouver: Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub called on FIFA to take action over the Israeli 'crimes' against Palestinian sports, saying ongoing violations could ultimately lead to Israel's expulsion from the global governing body.

According to Anadolu Agency, Rajoub emphasized that 'the scale of crimes committed and being committed against Palestinian sports, athletes, and sports facilities requires a position from FIFA and the continental federations under it.' He stressed that the Palestinian move aims 'to hold the (Israeli) occupation accountable, leading to Israel's expulsion from FIFA.'

The association chief outlined that the initiative falls 'within the framework of the rules and regulations in force in FIFA and the Olympic Charter, in an effort to expose the occupation's practices for accountability.' He pointed out that the Palestinian association has been raising this issue for years, highlighting 'the presence of nine Israeli clubs operating in settlements built on the lands of the occupied Palestinian state, which the world recognizes as occupied territories.'

Rajoub criticized the Israeli behavior as characterized by arrogance and disregard for international institutions, noting that 'more than 200 member associations are aware of what is happening.'

He observed that such conduct led to the Israeli delegate being 'isolated, humiliated and scorned within the General Assembly,' attributing this to 'his conduct based on arrogance.' Rajoub stated that the Palestinian cause has been presented 'in a civilized manner and in a sporting spirit,' describing the latest FIFA meeting as 'a strategic milestone in condemning this occupation and its behavior.'

Rajoub expressed belief that this is the beginning of a path that may lead to sanctions on the occupation, which he described as 'besieged, rejected and shunned.' Regarding FIFA's decision, he remarked that the FIFA Council 'took an incorrect decision due to pressure,' but emphasized that the struggle continues 'through FIFA and in accordance with its laws.'

He mentioned that the Palestinian association has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, challenging the decision, and will persist in its legal efforts 'to ensure the equal application of laws and to protect the rights of Palestinian athletes.'

During the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Rajoub refused to shake hands with the Israeli FA representative, Bassem Sheikh Suleiman, as a demonstration of 'national dignity not subject to protocol considerations out of respect for the sanctity of our people's blood, including our athletes.' He reiterated the Palestinian association's intention to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over FIFA's decision not to take action regarding violations linked to Israeli clubs in illegal settlements.

Rajoub underscored that the FIFA Council's failure to respond to the Palestinian proposal, despite fining the Israeli association for discrimination, represents 'a contradiction between recognizing violations and not taking any action to stop them.' The Palestinian FA calls for halting club activities in illegal settlements, emphasizing that the territories are 'occupied under international law' and that continued activity without deterrent measures 'undermines the credibility of the international football system.'

Israeli clubs operate in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. The international community and the UN consider these areas as occupied Palestinian territories and view Israeli settlements there as illegal under international law.