Israeli Minister of Culture and Sports Miki Zohar on Wednesday called for FIFA to expel Jibril Rajoub, the chair of the Palestinian Authority’s soccer federation, citing his support for terrorism and controversial statements.
“Rajoub’s statements are an insult to the values international sports aim to uphold,” Zohar wrote in a letter to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, according to Israel’s Ynet outlet. “FIFA must not allow individuals who promote terror or violence to hold positions within its organization.”
Zohar continued, stating, “Rajoub’s continued presence in senior sports roles undermines public trust and sends a dangerous signal that sports platforms can be exploited for political purposes and the promotion of hatred and violence.”
Rajoub, who has led the Palestinian Authority’s soccer federation since 2008, has been a controversial figure due to his vocal support for violent actions against Israel and his frequent use of sports as a platform to promote political agendas. In October, two prominent Israeli think tanks—the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs, and Palestinian Media Watch—filed a complaint with FIFA, accusing Rajoub of using his position to promote violence, a violation of the organization’s rules.
The complaint was filed as FIFA was considering a bid by Rajoub to have Israel suspended from international soccer due to the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The think tanks noted that Rajoub’s actions, including praising the atrocities that took place in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, “are among the most egregious offenses” according to FIFA’s laws. They also pointed out that Rajoub had been previously convicted by FIFA in 2018 for “inciting hatred to violence,” which resulted in a 12-month match suspension and a monetary fine.
Earlier in 2024, former Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz threatened to revoke Rajoub’s travel pass in response to his actions against Israel.
“Jibril Rajoub, a terrorist in a suit who openly supported Hamas’s crimes, is working around the clock to get Israel removed from the international soccer association,” said Katz, now Israel’s defense minister.
“We will work to thwart his plans, and if he doesn’t stop, we will imprison him in the Muqata’a [presidential compound in Ramallah], where he will be left to play Stanga by himself between the walls,” Katz added, referring to a soccer-like game popular with Israeli children.
