FIFA seeks Israel help over Palestinian tournament
PFA President Jibril Rajoub asked FIFA to suspend Israel over the issue on Thursday, when the Under-16 teams of Palestine, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates were to begin a West Asian Football Federation championship in the West Bank.
- Associated Press
- Updated: August 16, 2013 05:03 pm IST
FIFA says six players and officials from visiting Arab teams still require Israeli permission to attend a youth tournament hosted by the Palestine Football Association.
PFA President Jibril Rajoub asked FIFA to suspend Israel over the issue on Thursday, when the Under-16 teams of Palestine, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates were to begin a West Asian Football Federation championship in the West Bank.
FIFA asked the Israel Football Association for its "good offices," sending a list of 29 people who didn't have authorization to attend. It says six still haven't been cleared.
FIFA President Sepp Blatter has invited Rajoub and Israel football leader Avi Luzon to a September meeting in Zurich to address travel restrictions.
Blatter says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised help at a recent meeting.