Football Associations of Israel and Palestine to sign memorandum of understanding

The FIFA task force Israel-Palestine, a compromising representative from FIFA has successfully held its first meeting at Zurich under the chairmanship of FIFA President Sepp Blatter.

Bilateral matters including transfer of players, coaches, referees and equipment in and out of Palestine were analysed and several proposals were also made as part of the meeting.

The proposals included application for entry passes, dead line for import of sports equipment and appointment of a liaison officer to handle these matters. FIFA also confirmed that the body will act as an intermediary between the two countries in any future challenge.

“The fact that both parties, from Israel and Palestine, agreed to participate in such a Task Force was already a sign of goodwill. This stance was confirmed today,” said Blatter.

“I’m very happy that this meeting could lead to a concrete proposal aimed at enhancing the development of football in Palestine in accordance with the FIFA Statutes. Furthermore, it is my and FIFA’s hope that football will contribute to connecting people from both countries,” he added.

It was also decided that the Israel Football Association (IFA) and the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) will meet again in Jordan to agree a historic memorandum of understanding to facilitate the movement of persons and goods for football purposes.