FIFA Pledges Support To Restore Gaza’s Football Infrastructure Amid Calls To Ban Israel

Last Updated:October 14, 2025, 19:22 IST

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pledges to rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza, partnering with the Palestinian Football Association to unite communities after the conflict.

News18

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has vowed that world football’s governing body will play a major role in rebuilding football infrastructure in Gaza as part of broader post-war reconstruction efforts across the Palestinian territories.

Infantino made the commitment on Monday following a high-level peace summit in Egypt’s Red Sea resort of Sharm El-Sheikh, attended by more than 20 world leaders to discuss regional stability and the humanitarian crisis following the devastating conflict in Gaza.

FIFA to support Gaza’s football revival

Speaking after the summit, Infantino said FIFA was determined to ensure that sport — and football in particular — could play a role in healing communities and restoring hope.

“It’s something that is really important for FIFA to be here to support, to help, to assist, to make sure that this peace process comes to fruition," he said after signing a joint declaration outlining reconstruction plans.

The FIFA president confirmed that the organisation will help rebuild football infrastructure in Gaza and the wider Palestinian territories, including stadiums, training centers, and youth academies destroyed during Israel’s military operations.

The conflict, which left more than 67,000 people dead and widespread devastation across Gaza, also wiped out most of the region’s sports facilities, including key venues managed by the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).

“Football’s role has to be to support, to unite, to give hope," Infantino said. “We will help to rebuild all the football facilities in Gaza, bring football back together with the Palestinian Football Association, and create opportunities for children through the game."

Mini-pitches, “FIFA Arenas" and youth projects planned

Infantino added that FIFA would fund a series of new mini-pitches and “FIFA Arenas" across the affected territories to encourage participation among children and young players.

“Football brings hope to children, and it’s very, very important," he stressed, inviting other football associations and private partners to join the rebuilding effort.

The initiative is expected to form part of a wider FIFA Solidarity Programme that has previously supported recovery projects in war-torn or disaster-affected regions such as Ukraine, Syria, and Haiti.

Background: The PFA’s long-standing dispute with Israel

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has for years been at odds with FIFA over what it calls Israeli violations of international sporting law, including the operation of Israeli clubs based in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The PFA has repeatedly urged FIFA to suspend Israel from international football, arguing that Palestinian players face travel restrictions, destroyed facilities, and systemic discrimination.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee was asked in 2024 to investigate the allegations, but the matter was later deferred to the FIFA Council, where it remains under review.

FIFA yet to act on Israel issue

Earlier this month, FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani acknowledged that the issue was still pending and had not yet been discussed by the Council.

“To be honest, I’m unaware of where it’s at," Montagliani said. “I know that it’s in the legal department, but I haven’t seen any analysis done. When they’re ready to put that forward to the Council, we’ll have a read, and if there are any decisions to be made, we’ll make them."

While Infantino’s reconstruction pledge has been widely welcomed, critics argue that FIFA must also address the structural issues raised by the PFA if it hopes to truly restore equality and integrity in football across the region.

Football as a bridge for peace

Infantino closed his remarks by emphasizing football’s potential to act as a bridge between divided communities.

“Football can help build peace where politics alone cannot," he said. “Through the game, children can dream again — and those dreams can become the first steps toward a better future."

(with Reuters inputs)

Siddarth Sriram

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...Read More

After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas. His long-term...

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