FIFA has fined the Israeli Football Association 150,000 Swiss francs ($190,700) for breaching its anti-discrimination rules, following findings that it failed to take adequate action against racist behaviour in domestic football.
The decision followed an investigation launched after the Palestine Football Association submitted complaints in 2024 alleging discrimination. FIFA’s disciplinary committee concluded that the IFA did not meet its obligations, particularly in its handling of repeated incidents involving Beitar Jerusalem.
According to the report, supporters of the club engaged in persistent racist conduct, including the use of discriminatory slogans and chants targeting Arab players. FIFA said the sanctions previously imposed on the club were “deficient and substantively inadequate,” and described the issue as part of a broader systemic failure within Israeli football governance.
As part of the punishment, the IFA has been issued a warning and ordered to display anti-discrimination banners at its next three FIFA competition home matches, carrying the message “Football Unites the World, No to Discrimination.” It must also allocate one-third of the fine towards initiatives aimed at tackling discrimination and preventing future incidents.
The committee further criticised the IFA for failing to address political and militaristic messaging linked to league officials and clubs, and for not publicly condemning racism or promoting inclusion within the sport.
In response, the IFA said it had taken steps to combat racism but acknowledged that many of its actions were not made public, adding that efforts would be intensified moving forward.
In a separate but related matter, FIFA said it could not make a ruling on whether Israeli clubs based in the occupied West Bank should be allowed to compete in the Israeli league, citing the complex and unresolved legal status of the territory under international law.
The PFA welcomed the decision as a step forward but said it did not fully address the concerns raised. Previous commentary from United Nations experts has also highlighted the issue, identifying clubs operating in settlements and calling on FIFA to ensure its policies align with international human rights standards.
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