A source in the FIFA committee established to discuss the Palestinian Football Association’s (PFA) demand to expel Israel from the international association said on Thursday the country is in danger of losing its place in the soccer organization.
The committee, which was established during the FIFA Congress in Bangkok two months ago, is scheduled to convene over the weekend. At the congress, the PFA accused Israel of violating FIFA's values because of its "genocide, racism and harm to Palestinian football activities."
Israel is concerned the committee's recommendation could later lead to the expulsion of Israeli soccer clubs from all international leagues and competitions. The FIFA Council will meet next week to discuss the committee’s recommendations, which won’t include actions against Israel’s Paris 2024 Olympic soccer team due to its close timeframe.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in May that: "It’s important to note that the three PFA requests will be discussed by the council. Due to the clear sensitivity of these issues, an expert committee will review these requests to ensure that FIFA's principles are upheld. The committee’s recommendations will be presented to the council, but due to the urgency of the situation, the council will discuss these recommendations by July 20."
"There can be no doubt that Israel's conduct in Palestine has undermined, and continues to undermine, FIFA's objectives," according to the report sent to the committee. Israel assumes some countries including Spain, Ireland and Scandinavian countries will recommend expelling Israel from the association, which could impact other sporting institutions in the country.