December 17 – The FIFA panel trying to bring about free movement of Palestinian players and equipment in the West Bank held its second session this week under the chairmanship of Tokyo Sexwale.
The Palestinian and Israeli federations were led by their respective presidents Jibril Rajoub (pictured left) and Ofer Eini (right) at the meeting in Jericho. In a statement FIFA said the committee “discussed the implementation of a detailed concept and a permanent support unit… which will deal with permit applications in order to avoid delays.”
The thorny issue of the five clubs located in the Israeli-occupied West Bank who play in the Israeli league was “also discussed intensively” said FIFA.
“We knew right from the beginning that this would not be an easy ride,” Sexwale said. “Our challenge is broader than football. We are working towards a solution for all the issues and that’s what counts.”
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