By Andrew Warshaw in Mauritius
May 30 – The head of the Palestinian football federation says the harsh treatment of his country’s players and officials by Israel is showing no sign of receding despite the best efforts of FIFA President Sepp Blatter.
The Middle East situation is high on the political agenda this week in Mauritius, where the FIFA Congress takes place, and Blatter made a point of mentioning the Palestinian issue when he addressed a meeting of the Asian Football Confederation today in the buildup to Friday’s Congress.
Blatter’s personal intervention led to the release of Palestinian player Mahmoud Sarsak after he went on hunger strike in protest at being illegally detained by the Israeli authorities and the FIFA boss is determined to keep up the pressure on Israel.
A request by the Palestinian FA to discuss the situation is on the congress agenda for open debate. The Palestinians have complained for years about their athletes being victimised in the occupied territories including restriction of movement and vital equipment being withheld.
Blatter promised that FIFA would try to resolve “this touchy problem”.
He told the AFC delegates: “I can confirm that I will help, FIFA will help. It’s a problem of football. We will help you and this will be done. It’s not a promise it’s a will – and where there is a will there is way.”
After Blatter’s address, Palestinian FA president Jibril Rajoub said the situation in his country was getting even worse. “It’s crazy what the Israelis are doing. They should be asked either to respect and accept the statutes or pay the price,” he said.
“I am talking about free access and free movement for both athletes and sports instructors and experts from abroad. We just want to enjoy sport like the rest of the associations. The situation is deteriorating. They have to recognise reality on the ground and Palestine is a member of FIFA and accepts all of the standards and statutes of FIFA.”
Last week at the UEFA Congress in London pro-Palestinian activists interrupted an official dinner before being turfed out by security guards.
It was an indication of just how much ill-feeling has been generated by Israel being chosen to host the forthcoming European under-21 championships.
“They should not be given this gift as long as they are not giving Palestinians the right to enjoy the same things as them,” charged Rajoub.
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