The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) announced that it found FIFA’s sanctions against Israel “unserious” and “inconsistent”. In the statement made by PFA, it was stated that the sanctions imposed by FIFA on the Israeli Football Federation were insufficient.
HERE IS THAT EXPLANATION
The statement said: “The sanctions imposed do not reflect the full scope or seriousness of the findings. The fine of 150 thousand Swiss francs, which is only 15 percent of the maximum possible under Article 6.4 of the FIFA disciplinary rules, clearly falls short of the seriousness declared by the FIFA Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee, together with the warnings and anti-discrimination banners. No sporting sanctions were imposed, although the rules clearly stipulate measures such as deductions of points, bans from competitions or matches behind closed doors.” expressions were used.
It was emphasized that the fine imposed on Israeli clubs was “almost irrelevant” and had no “deterrent effect”, adding: “This decision weakens the reliability and consistency of the FIFA Governance, Audit and Compliance Committee.” It was said.
EXCLUDED FROM PFA DISCIPLINARY PROCESS
In the statement, it was underlined that the PFA was completely excluded during the disciplinary process carried out by FIFA. It was stated that PFA was not informed of the initiation of the investigation, the accusations or the decision, and the following was noted:
“We have not had the opportunity to present evidence, be heard or consider the proportionality of sanctions. This exclusion raises serious concerns under the principles of procedural fairness and equality of arms.”
In the statement, it was emphasized that an application would be made to the Court of Arbitration for Sport regarding the process, and the following statements were made:
“Considering all of the above, the Palestinian Football Federation will take all appropriate steps within the framework of FIFA, including exercising its right of appeal before FIFA’s judicial bodies, and, if necessary, pursue relevant legal remedies, including the Court of Arbitration for Sport, to ensure that its rights as a member association are protected, the principle of proportionality is respected and the FIFA Statutes are applied without exception.”
