FIFA, the world's governing soccer body, published its new national team rankings on Thursday, and the news was not good for Israeli national team coach Elisha Levy's squad. The Israeli team plummeted 22 spots to 98th place, the lowest ranking in its history, just one spot better than soccer powerhouse Malawi. Argentina dominated FIFA's international ranking, followed by Belgium, Germany, Columbia and Brazil. European champion Portugal placed seventh, while Spain, one of the world's most talented teams, placed outside the top 10, which raises questions over FIFA's ranking systems. Jut last week, 66 members of the European Parliament sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino demanding that organization ban five Israeli teams based in Judea and Samaria from the Israel Football Association. "We request that FIFA act in accordance with the laws and international law and determine that these clubs must transfer their operations to areas that are recognized as Israeli land. Otherwise, they should not be allowed to be part of the IFA," the letter read. FIFA is expected to discuss the issue at its Oct. 13-14 council meeting.
National soccer team plummets to lowest-ever FIFA ranking
Israeli team plummets 22 spots to 98th place in FIFA's newest national team rankings • Argentina dominates international rankings, followed by Belgium, Germany, Columbia and Brazil • European champion Portugal only makes it to seventh place.
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