“Serious and repeated violations”: Fifa imposes a fine for “discrimination” on the Israeli football federation

The disciplinary committee of the governing body of world football on Thursday imposed a fine of 150,000 Swiss francs, or 165,000 euros, on the Israeli Football Federation for “serious and repeated violations” of its obligations to combat discrimination.

The Israeli body “failed to take concrete and transparent measures against discriminatory behavior”, in particular the racism displayed by Beitar Jerusalem supporters, and “tolerated politicized and militaristic messages in footballing contexts”, details the disciplinary committee.

Fifa did not follow the sanction requested two years ago by the Palestinian federation, which pleaded for the suspension of its Israeli counterpart by arguing a series of violations of the statutes of the football body – including discrimination.

A 40 page report

But his decision, over 40 pages, lists a cascade of racist behavior in Israeli football, ranging from slogans exalting racial purity in the stands of Beitar Jerusalem to insults against Arab players, including “political and militaristic messages” from leaders of the professional leagues and Maccabi Netanya on their social networks.

Regarding the sharing of an article hostile to any ceasefire in Gaza, the disciplinary committee thus considers that “the absence of any mitigating language – such as calls for restraint, concerns for civilian victims or recognition of humanitarian principles – makes this publication not only politically charged, but also ethically problematic”.

The obligation to display a banner

To condemn the IFA, Fifa considers the fines it imposed on Beitar modest and too vague, without explicitly linking them to racist incidents. She also observes that the body has “made no public statement condemning racism, has not launched any campaign to combat discrimination and has not taken any action aimed at promoting the inclusion of Arab or Palestinian players”.

In detail, the Israeli federation will have to pay two thirds of the fine “within 30 days” and invest the rest “in the implementation of a general plan aimed at guaranteeing action against discrimination”. It will also have to display, during its next three international matches at home, a banner of a significant size and very visible bearing the words “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination”, adds the body.