WJC welcomes FIFA decision to suspend Palestine Football Association chairman: “Incitement has no place in our society, on or off the football field”

NEW YORK – The World Jewish Congress has welcomed the decision of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) to suspend Palestinian Football Association (PFA) Chairman Jibril Rajoub for inciting against the Argentine national team and player Lionel Messi ahead of a scheduled friendly match between Israel and Argentina in June.
 
Following the incident in June, WJC President Ronald S. Lauder sent a letter to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, urging the organization to take punitive measures, calling the subsequent cancellation of the match “a win for the champions of international divisiveness.”
 
In response to the decision on Friday, WJC CEO Robert Singer said: ““FIFA has sent a strong message to the Palestinian Football Association and its supporters that incitement to terror has no place in our society, on or off the football field. Over the years, the PFA has repeatedly demonized Israel, politicized sports, and encouraged violence, under the guidance of its chairman, Jibril Rajoub. I hope that Mr. Rajoub’s suspension will make it clear that sport is meant to bring people together regardless of politics, race, or religion. We must not let adherence of terror prevail.”