The Palestinian Football Association on Saturday condemned Israel’s decision to block the entry of artificial turf donated by China, calling it a violation of Palestinian sport and international regulations.
Posted on X @Palestine_fa
In a statement, the PFA said the move “represents another episode in a systematic pattern of Israeli violations against Palestinian sport,” adding that it obstructs sports infrastructure development and “denies players, particularly youth and children, their right to practice football in safe conditions.”
The association said the decision contradicts FIFA regulations and the Olympic Charter, holding Israeli authorities “fully responsible for the consequences,” and urged FIFA, the AFC, and the IOC to take action to ensure the shipment’s entry.
The condemnation comes amid recent pressure by FIFA and UEFA that led Israel’s military to freeze the planned demolition of a soccer field in the Aida refugee camp near Bethlehem, after the federations raised concerns over the impact of Israeli actions on Palestinian football and potential legal consequences for UEFA in Switzerland.
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A Palestinian teen holds the demolition order of the football field, next to the West Bank barrier separating Aida refugee camp from Israel. Credit: Ammar Awad/Reuters
A Palestinian teen holds the demolition order of the football field, next to the West Bank barrier separating Aida refugee camp from Israel. Credit: Ammar Awad/Reuters