FIFA to Rebuild Football Infrastructure in Gaza
FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledges to rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza as part of post-war reconstruction efforts.
“We will help to rebuild all the football facilities in Gaza, bring football back together with...”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged to help rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza as part of the organization's efforts to support post-war reconstruction. Speaking after a peace summit in Egypt, Infantino emphasized the importance of football in bringing hope and unity to communities affected by conflict.
Infantino announced plans to rebuild football facilities in Gaza, including mini-pitches and “FIFA Arenas,” and to invite other partners to join the effort. The initiative aims to create opportunities for children to play football and to promote the sport as a force for unity and recovery in the region.
The pledge comes amid growing calls for FIFA to take a stronger stance on the conflict, with some urging the organization to suspend Israel from international football. Infantino emphasized that football can play a role in promoting peace and unity, and that FIFA is committed to supporting the people of Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the organization's commitment to supporting the peace process in Gaza, stating, “It’s something that is really important for FIFA to be here to support, to help, to assist, to make sure that this peace process comes to fruition.” Infantino made this statement after signing a document outlining plans for regional stability and reconstruction.
The FIFA president announced that his organization would help restore football in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories. This initiative includes rebuilding facilities destroyed during Israel's military operation, which killed over 67,000 people, and launching a fund to support new pitches and youth programs. “Football’s role has to be to support, to unite, to give hope,” Infantino said, highlighting the importance of football in rebuilding communities.
FIFA plans to contribute to Gaza's football development by building mini-pitches and “FIFA Arenas” and inviting other partners to join the effort. Infantino emphasized the significance of football in bringing hope to children, saying, “football brings hope to children, and it’s very, very important.”
“Football’s role has to be to support, to unite, to give hope,” he said.
“We will help to rebuild all the football facilities in Gaza, bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), and create opportunities for children through the game.”
Infantino added that FIFA would contribute with mini-pitches and “FIFA Arenas” and invite other partners to join the effort, saying “football brings hope to children, and it’s very, very important”
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Palestinian Football Association's Request to Suspend Israel
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has repeatedly called on FIFA to suspend Israel's football association, citing allegations of discrimination against Arab players and the inclusion of clubs based in occupied Palestinian territories in Israeli leagues. The PFA claims Israel's actions violate FIFA's principles of non-discrimination and fair play.
The PFA's proposal, submitted in May, requests that FIFA impose sanctions on Israeli teams, including the national side and clubs, due to alleged breaches of international law and discriminatory practices. This request stems from Israel's military actions in Gaza, which have resulted in significant harm to Palestinian athletes and football infrastructure.
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