On Thursday, The Palestinian Football Federation (PFA) denied having received any invitation from International Federation of Football (FIFA) to play a symbolic under-15 match against the Israeli team.

The Palestinian sports body immediately rejected the alleged proposal, considering it an attempt to whitewash the serious crimes committed by the Israeli state.

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Through its social media channels, the PFA emphasized its uncompromising stance against any normalization process. “The PFA categorically rejects any attempt to promote or impose matches with an occupying power that systematically attacks Palestinian athletes and sports infrastructure,” the federation stated. To support its firm refusal, the organization noted that it has recorded more than 1,000 athletes killed by Israeli forces in the last three years.

This official statement comes in response to recent international press reports that echoed FIFA’s alleged intentions to hold this match. It was speculated that the game would be part of a new Under-15 men’s competition to be held in the United States in September, a tournament to which 211 national federations, including Russia, would supposedly be invited.

However, the PFA clarified that it has not received any official communication or proposal from FIFA. In fact, they stated that FIFA itself confirmed directly that no such match has been announced or organized, and that these reports are inaccurate.

The closest precedent to this supposed invitation occurred in April, during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada. FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited representatives from both federations to the stage to promote the tournament. However, during this event, PFA President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands or have his picture taken with his Israeli counterpart, Basim Sheikh Suliman.

On Monday, despite the lack of a formal proposal, the Israel Football Association (IFA) issued a statement expressing its willingness to play. The IFA stated it was more willing than ever to use football as a tool to promote normalization and peace, asserting that it hopes to find a courageous partner on the other side.

Faced with this public challenge, the PFA reaffirmed that under the current circumstances it categorically rejects any proposal. The Palestinian body concluded that its priorities are justice, accountability, and the protection of Palestinian athletes, demanding that Israel answer for violations of sporting rules. “Football cannot exist apart from the reality on the ground,” the federation declared.

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