FIFA Fines Israeli Football Association for "Discrimination"

The FIFA Disciplinary Committee on Thursday fined the Israeli Football Association 150,000 Swiss francs (165,000 euros or 190,000 dollars) for "serious and repeated violations" of its obligations in the fight against discrimination. AFP The Israeli body "failed to take concrete and transparent measures against discriminatory behavior," especially in the face of racist attitudes from fans of Beitar Jerusalem, and "tolerated politicized and militaristic messages in football contexts," FIFA explained in a statement. In its decision, explained in 40 pages, it lists a cascade of racist behaviors in Israeli football, ranging from slogans about racial purity in the stands of Beitar to insults directed at Arab players, as well as "militaristic" messages from leaders of professional leagues and Maccabi Netanya on their social media. FIFA deemed the fines decided by the IFA against Beitar too vague, without explicitly linking them to racist incidents. It was also noted that the IFA "has not made any public statement condemning racism, nor launched any campaign to combat discrimination, nor taken any measures aimed at promoting the inclusion of Arab or Palestinian players." The Israeli Football Association must pay two-thirds of the fine "within 30 days" and invest the remainder "in the implementation of a general plan aimed at ensuring action against discrimination." Furthermore, in its next three international home matches, Israel must display a significant and highly visible banner reading "Football Unites The World – No to Discrimination," FIFA added. On the other hand, FIFA decided not to take "any measures" regarding Israeli clubs located in illegal settlements in the West Bank, thus rejecting a Palestinian request that had been pending for two years and had been supported by several United Nations experts. The world football body opted "not to take any measures given that (...) the final legal status of the West Bank is an unresolved and extremely complex issue in public international law," it announced in a statement. "FIFA should continue to promote dialogue and offer mediation" between the Israeli and Palestinian Football Associations, the text adds.