Morocco’s players cheered after winning the round of 16 with the Palestinian flag – a political symbol? FIFA probably won’t do anything about it.
Morocco’s players sported the Palestinian flag in a team photo after beating Spain. According to information from the sports show, the Disciplinary Committee of FIFA will initially not take action against it. To do so, she would have to regard the flag as an unacceptable political symbol. However, the Palestinian Football Union is a full member of FIFA and the Asian Confederation, the flag flies at every FIFA congress.
Morocco’s players already celebrated with the Palestinian flag in the game against Canada, which had no consequences there. FIFA has not yet answered a specific request from the sports show.
“Flag not fundamentally problematic – but it can be”
Alon Meyer is President of the Jewish Gymnastics and Sports Association Makkabi Germany. “Showing the Palestine flag is not fundamentally problematic”says Meyer in an interview with the sports show. “But the past has shown, especially in football, that it can be a gateway for anti-Semitism and hostilities both online and offline. We see that again and again with Makkabi. That’s why we view it at least with concern.”
Basically, the tournament in Qatar is problematic for Jewish and Israeli participants. For example, kosher food was banned. “The treatment of Israeli journalists is also worrying”, Meyer said. Israeli TV reporter Moav Vardi spoke in an interview with n-tv.de about verbal violence against him by fans from Arab countries. On the Deutschlandfunk podcast Players, another Israeli journalist said: “I wasn’t expecting hugs or invitations to coffee and baklava. All I want: Let me do my job.”
Numerous Palestinian symbols at the World Cup
In the stands at the World Cup, numerous spectators wore armbands, flags and T-shirts with Palestinian symbols. Some observers also see it as a reaction to the debate about the “One Love” captain’s armband.
Security forces in Qatar tolerated Palestinian symbols, while many fans reported difficulties entering stadiums with rainbow colors on their clothing.
Morocco maintains diplomatic relations with Israel – Qatar does not
Qatar broke diplomatic relations with Israel because of the Gaza war in 2009, there are only unofficial links.
Such relations exist between Morocco and Israel. “Congratulations to our Moroccan friends on their great victory”Israel Defense Minister Benny Gantz tweeted.
Israel was at times close to qualifying for the World Cup
Israel was long close to their first World Cup qualification since 1958. On Matchday 5 the team was two points clear of a play-off spot in their qualifying group behind Denmark and ahead of Scotland. Qatar, which does not recognize the State of Israel, promised in 2009 that Israel would be “welcome” if it qualified.
However, in the second half of qualifying, Israel fell back significantly and missed the World Cup. During the finals, Qatar allowed direct flights from Israel from Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv for fans.