PMW and JCFA submit complaint to FIFA to expel Jibril Rajoub [Mako - Hebrew News Platform]
"Israeli Demand from FIFA to Suspend Jibril Rajoub:
'Promotes Hatred and Compares Israel to Nazi Germany' "
In recent years, and especially since the October 7 massacre and the start of Operation Iron Swords, numerous voices in the sports world have called for the exclusion of Israeli athletes and teams. The most prominent voice is the chairman of the Palestinian Football Association and Olympic Committee, Jibril Rajoub, who even praised the Hamas terrorist organization after the war. Now comes the Israeli response and demand for his removal.
In a joint effort, the Jerusalem Center for Foreign Affairs and Security (JCFA) and Palestinian Media Watch (PMW) have approached FIFA demanding action against Rajoub for severe incitement and racism. In a complaint document sent to FIFA's legal and governing bodies, researchers presented evidence that Rajoub not only violates FIFA's principles but uses his position to amplify hatred, encourage violence, and erase Israel's existence in international sports.
The complaint details how Rajoub, who has previously been punished by FIFA, called Jews "criminals" and "terrorists," while comparing Israel to the Nazi regime – comparisons that, according to researchers, are intended to incite hatred and delegitimize Israel. Lt. Col. (ret.) Adv. Maurice Hirsch, director of the Palestinian Authority Accountability Initiative at JCFA, emphasizes: "Rajoub even referred to Hamas's October 7 attack as an 'epic event' and defined the massacre as 'acts of heroism' as part of what he called 'the Palestinians' defensive war.'"
The allegations in the complaint against Rajoub go far beyond personal matters. For more than a decade, he has attempted to push for international sanctions against the Israeli Football Association while raising false claims.
Palestinian Media Watch researchers explain that this politicization of FIFA – an organization whose mandate is to maintain neutrality and spread the spirit of sports – is considered improper under the organization's own constitution. They note that "Palestinian commentators have often called his approach to sports 'Rajoubian,' a kind of passport diplomacy designed to gather global political support."..
Dr. Dan Diker, JCFA President, responded: "Rajoub exploits FIFA and works to change its conduct to achieve his political goals. Comparing Israel to the Nazis is morally intolerable, and it's time for FIFA to raise the 'red card' against racism and expel Rajoub from the football community immediately."
Itamar Marcus, PMW director, added: "The fact that an antisemitic terror supporter like Rajoub still holds a senior position in FIFA is a stain on this institution. FIFA can no longer ignore and pretend it maintains its high ethical standards while accepting Rajoub. It must clarify that its true values include denouncing hatred and violence."
Link to article in Hebrew:
https://www.mako.co.il/news-sport/world_soccer-2024_q4/Article-1ba64e0e17cd291026.htm