JJ Devaney

Palestine Football Association Statement The Palestine Football Association (PFA) wishes to clarify recent media reports and public commentary concerning the forthcoming UEFA Nations League fixture between the Republic of Ireland and Israel, following references made to the PFA in statements and subsequent coverage of the matter. First and foremost, the PFA has not issued any statement endorsing, approving, or supporting the decision to proceed with the match. Any interpretation suggesting that the PFA has given its blessing to the fixture does not accurately reflect our position. The PFA maintains a long-standing principle of respecting the autonomy of fellow national associations and refraining from interference in their internal affairs or decision-making processes. This principle is particularly important to us as an association that has suffered for decades from interference, restrictions, and violations of its rights within the international football system. Respect for the independence of national associations is not merely a procedural matter for the PFA; it is a principle rooted in our own lived experience. Accordingly, while the PFA respects the right of every association to determine how it navigates its own sporting, legal, and regulatory obligations, such respect should not be misconstrued as endorsement of any particular decision. The PFA also wishes to reiterate its deep appreciation for the historic solidarity shown by the Irish people and for the principled positions repeatedly expressed by the Football Association of Ireland, Irish clubs, supporters, players, trade unions, civil society organizations, and public representatives in support of Palestinian rights and human dignity. At the same time, our position regarding Israeli football remains unchanged and unequivocal. The PFA continues to pursue accountability through FIFA and other international sporting bodies for Israel’s persistent violations of FIFA statutes, the systematic obstruction of Palestinian football, and the devastating impact of Israel’s war on all aspects of Palestinian life, including athletes, clubs, facilities, and sporting life. More than one thousand Palestinian athletes have been killed, and large parts of Palestine’s sporting infrastructure have been destroyed. Palestinian football is enduring one of the darkest periods in its history. For this reason, the PFA rejects any characterization that could be interpreted as providing political or moral cover for Israel’s continued participation in international football while these grave violations persist. The PFA would not, and will not, be party to any effort that normalizes these realities or contributes to the sportswashing of crimes committed against the Palestinian people. Our struggle has always been directed toward ensuring that international football applies its own rules consistently and without exception. We will therefore continue to work through legitimate sporting and legal mechanisms to defend the rights of Palestinian athletes, protect Palestinian football, and seek accountability in accordance with FIFA regulations, the principles of the Olympic Charter, and the values that sport strives to uphold. The PFA remains committed to these efforts and to the pursuit of justice, dignity, and equal treatment within the international world of sport. Dima Said Official Spokesperson Palestinian Football Federation +970598105852 [email protected].