Palestinian Rights Groups Back Bid to Suspend Zionist Regime from FIFA
"We are writing to express our position regarding the proposal by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) for the suspension of the Israel Football Association," the letter read, Ma’an news agency reported.
"This effort is a commendable example of the Palestinian leadership, through the PFA, in taking action to address the obstacles the PFA faces under the continuing Israeli occupation."
The rights groups said that the PA's course of action is in accordance with Palestine's responsibilities under the International Covenant on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights -- signed in 2014 -- which also obliges state parties to protect rights which include "sports and games".
"Although the steps that Palestine can take with regards to fulfilling its obligations are necessarily limited by the Israeli occupation. The proposal the PFA has put forward constitutes a positive step within these limitations and should be welcomed by FIFA and its members," the letter read.
Co-signatories on the letter included Al-Haq, Addameer, Defence for Children International - Palestine, Badil, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights.
Palestine, which has been a FIFA member since 1998, wants the governing body to expel Israel over its restrictions on the movement of Palestinian players.
It also opposes the participation in the Israeli championships of five clubs located in Jewish-only settlements in the occupied West Bank.
