FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged the governing body’s support to rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza, following a peace summit held in the Egyptian Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh on Monday.
Infantino was among more than 20 world leaders who attended the summit, where a document was signed outlining plans for regional stability and reconstruction. Speaking after the event, he said it was essential for FIFA to contribute to the peace process.
“It is 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 said.
As part of FIFA’s involvement, the organisation will help restore football in Gaza and across the wider Palestinian territories. This will include rebuilding facilities damaged or destroyed during Israel’s military operation, which has resulted in the deaths of more than 67,000 people. FIFA also plans to launch a dedicated fund to support the development of pitches and youth football programmes.
“Football’s role has to be to support, to unite, to give hope,” said Infantino. “We will help to rebuild all the football facilities in Gaza, bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association, and create opportunities for children through the game.”
Infantino added that FIFA would provide mini-pitches and “FIFA Arenas”, and would invite other partners to contribute to the initiative. “Football brings hope to children, and it is very, very important,” he said.
The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has also continued to call on FIFA to suspend Israel, citing alleged discrimination and the participation of Israeli clubs based in occupied Palestinian territories.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee was asked last year to examine the PFA’s allegations, though a decision has yet to be made. The governing body stated that the matter would instead be reviewed by the FIFA Council.
FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani confirmed earlier this month that the issue remains unresolved. “To be honest, I am unaware of where it is at, and I know that it is in the legal department, but I have not seen any analysis done,” he said.
“When they are ready to sort of put that forward to the council, then we will have a read and if there are any decisions to be made from a council perspective, obviously we will make them.”
