By Andrew Warshaw
May 29 – FIFA President Sepp Blatter has given the clearest indication yet that he will not support Palestinian calls for sanctions against Israel at next month’s FIFA Congress in Brazil. Blatter has made finding a compromise between two political foes one of his main priorities and has just completed his latest mediation visit to the region.
The Palestinians claim Israeli security forces, who control movement between the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, frequently prevent athletes from travelling freely between the two separated territories, using bullying tactics in the process. The Palestine FA, led by Jibril Rajoub, has called for sanctions next month unless the situation radically improves.
Israel, by contrast, cites security concerns, countering that football facilities are sometimes used by Palestinian militants as a means to launch rocket attacks.
Using all his diplomatic skills, Blatter said all the right things earlier this week when he met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Rajoub in Ramallah and declared his strong support. He then did exactly the same in Israel , telling a news conference he saw no reason for the country to be thrown out of FIFA.
“I separate politics and sport,” Blatter said, flanked by Israel Football Association head Avi Luzon in Jerusalem. “I don’t know on what items the FIFA Congress should take action against the IFA, if they are (acting) according to the statutes and regulations of FIFA.
“So far, we haven’t seen any breach of regulations… until then, who could take action against somebody who is a good member of FIFA? I can tell you that your federation is a good standing member.”
Blatter, who wrapped up his visit by meeting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is desperate for the two sides to sign a hugely symbolic Memorandum of Understanding in Sao Paolo though no details of what it says have been revealed.
Luzon, meanwhile, handed out an olive branch – not that the Palestinians will see it that way – by saying he was willing to hold a peace match.
“I think that soccer can be a bridge for peace and … I have offered more than once to Jibril Rajoub, that … I’m willing to hold a match between Israel and Palestine,” said Luzon. Rajoub will only accede to such a request, however, once his federation is satisfied that real change is taking place and sufficient progress is being made on the ground.
Blatter said both sides were working hard behind the scenes but had not yet found a solution acceptable to the Palestinians. “Both of these associations have designated a liaison officer (who) is working every week, every three or four days together,” he said. “They have obtained already good results, but in the view of the Palestinians, not enough.”
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