Palestinian Football Association head draws fire for caving to Israel

Palestinians were outraged at the Palestinian Football Association for dropping its motion on Friday to remove Israel from FIFA, the world soccer governing body.

The motion had been included on the agenda at the FIFA Congress, but PFA President Jibril Rajoub said he had been persuaded to back down. "I decided to drop the suspension, but it doesn't mean that I give up the resistance," he said.

Part of a broad campaign to press for full independence for Palestinians, the PFA has accused Israel of hampering its activities and restricting the movement of players between the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Israel cites security concerns for the restrictions it imposes and the Israel Football Association has argued that it has no control over security forces.

In Ramallah, residents were angry and disappointed. "The Palestinian BDS [Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions movement against Israel] national committee is disappointed that the entire FIFA congress, including the Palestinian Football Association, have not lived up to their obligations and stated principles. FIFA and its membership have delayed the suspension of Israel, but they cannot delay the growth of the international boycott of Israel or prevent the continued isolation of Israel," said Zeid Shueidi, an official from the Palestinian BDS national committee.

"What happened today was a betrayal by the Palestinian leadership for the demands of the Palestinian people and tens of thousands of people around the world who were asking for suspension of Israel until it ended discrimination," said Fadi Kuraan.

In Gaza, there was anger. "I'm telling the [Palestinian] Authority, why did you withdraw from this decision? It needs to be followed, developed, advanced. It needs to be insisted upon," said Hossam Totah, who was playing soccer with his friends on the beach in Gaza.

Hamas spokesman in Qatar Hossam Badran said that "Rajoub, who caved and folded before Israel, proved once again that the Palestinian Authority cannot be trusted, and that in Ramallah, there is no real intention behind the calls to put Israel on trial at the International Criminal Court."

Rajoub's reluctant handshake with Israel Football Association President Ofer Eini was also harshly criticized, with one Hamas official saying "Rajoub shared secrets with the Israel Football Association president and shook his hand, proving that Rajoub's actions, in the name of the Palestinian Authority, are a giant charade.

"The Palestinian Authority has no plans to end the security and economic coordination with Israel, and it has been proven beyond any doubt that their claims to the contrary are false and empty," he said.

Cartoons mocking Rajoub filled social media over the weekend, calling him a traitor and saying that he had sold the Palestinians out in exchange for VIP status.

Rajoub rejected the criticism leveled at him, saying "the decision was an achievement for the Palestinians. People can say what they will. I don't care and I'm not concerned."

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