**Palestine Football Association Denies Reports of FIFA Youth Match Against Israel**
**Published on June 18, 2026, by Nathan Rennolds**
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has officially denied reports regarding a proposed FIFA under-15 match between Palestine and Israel. The announcement comes in response to speculation that the two teams would participate in the opening fixture of a new annual youth tournament organized by FIFA, which is set to commence later this year.
In a statement released on Thursday, the PFA clarified that it had "not received any official communication or proposal from FIFA regarding such a match." The organization emphasized its firm stance against playing matches with what it describes as an "occupying power." The PFA's statement highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by Palestinian athletes, asserting that the systematic targeting of Palestinian sports infrastructure and athletes cannot be overlooked in discussions about sporting events.
The reports of the proposed match surfaced earlier this week, suggesting that FIFA was eager to include both teams in the inaugural event, which is intended to feature boys' and girls' teams from all 211 FIFA Member Associations, including Russia. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly a key proponent of this initiative, particularly following a previous unsuccessful attempt to facilitate a meeting between PFA President Jibril Rajoub and Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s football governing body. This encounter was supposed to take place during the FIFA congress in Vancouver in April, but the two leaders remained distant, leading to protests from Rajoub.
The PFA's statement also reflected on the broader context of violence affecting Palestinian athletes, noting that over 1,000 Palestinian athletes have lost their lives in the past three years. Among the deceased were prominent figures such as former national football team captain Sulaiman Al-Obaid and karate champion Nagham Abu Samra. The PFA underscored that these realities significantly impact any discussions regarding football activities involving Palestine.
In light of the controversy, Infantino had previously expressed his commitment to promoting youth competitions and development within FIFA. He described the upcoming under-15 festival as a crucial step in providing opportunities for young talents globally. "Having FIFA U-15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in FIFA’s quest to give every talent a chance all over the world and yet another example of how FIFA reinvests in the game," he stated.
As the situation develops, the PFA remains resolute in its position, rejecting any proposals that may compromise its stance against what it perceives as the ongoing occupation. The PFA's firm response reflects the complexities surrounding sports and politics in the region, particularly in relation to international events that involve both Palestinian and Israeli teams.
The future of the proposed youth tournament and its potential participants remains uncertain as both FIFA and the PFA navigate the intricate dynamics of the situation.