August 15 – The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has said it was “shocked” by the border detention by Israeli forces of Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub and has called for an “immediate resolution”.
Rajoub was detained by Israeli security forces at the Karama/King Hussein Bridge border crossing with Jordan as he returned to the West Bank from the Paris 2024 Olympics on Tuesday. He was ordered to return for ‘questioning’ to the Ofer Camp today, though he said he would not comply with this order.
The AFC said the detention of Rajoub was a violation of his fundamental rights and that the Israelis must respect the workings of international sports bodies “regardless of political circumstances”.
Palestine’s football team have qualified for the AFC’s group stages of World Cup 2026 qualification for the first time and begin the next stage of their campaign next month.
The AFC warns that “this situation poses significant challenges for the Palestinian national team as they prepare for the AFC Asian Qualifiers”.
“This incident comes at a critical time as Palestine are preparing for their historic debut in the AFC Asian Qualifiers – Road to 26. Having reached the third stage of the FIFA World Cup qualifying for the first time ever, Palestine face Korea Republic in Seoul on September 5, 2024 in a Group B match,” said the AFC.
“The AFC is alarmed by the violation of General Rajoub’s fundamental rights, particularly his freedom of movement to conduct his duties as a sports leader, especially as the President of the PFA. The AFC emphasises the need for international bodies and governments to uphold the basic rights of individuals, regardless of political circumstances,” continued the statement.
The AFC concluded saying it “expresses its full support for the Palestinian team and their right to compete without external pressures.”
So far there has been no comment from FIFA or UEFA (the confederation in which the Israelis compete).
Further reading: Israelis briefly detain Palestine FA boss Jibril Rajoub at border ordering him to return for ‘questioning’
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