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Abbas: Israel Puts Obstacles in Way of Palestinian Sports

Tuesday, 27 May 2014 10:12

RAMALLAH (WAFA) – President Mahmoud Abbas said Monday, during a meeting with visiting President of FIFA Sepp Blatter, that the Israeli government puts obstacles in the way of the Palestinian Football Association’s activities in violation of international law and the laws of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA).

The meeting was also attended by FIFA Vice President for Asian countries, Emir Ali Bin Hussein, and President of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub.

Abbas said the Palestinian Football Association is fully committed to the international laws and legislations, yet it’s unfortunately still facing obstacles from the Israeli government.

He expressed appreciation to Blatter’s role and his support of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). “After the PFA was granted full membership in 1998, we should not forget to appreciate your support of the Palestinian football for years,” said Abbas.

“[We also] appreciate your support of building the infrastructure for sports in Palestine, building stadiums and other means of support, making it possible for every Palestinian to practice this game that is widespread worldwide.”

On his side, Blatter said he will discuss, in a meeting secluded to be held on Tuesday with the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, the current obstacles facing Palestinian football.

He added that he came to Palestine to discuss the sports issue between the Palestinians and Israelis in order to reach a solution to the problems between them and to not allow sports to be part of the political conflict.

He added that he is not only a friend of the Palestinian people, but also an ‘ambassador’ to the Palestinian nation who will continue to play this role in the future.

“It is my pleasure to be here once again. I feel home,” Blatter concluded.

 

Source: Palestine News & Information Agency - WAFA