sports
Fifa plans Israel v Palestine fixture as opening game of new under-15s tournament
Tournament open to all Fifa members, including Russia
TL;DR
- Fifa proposes Israel and Palestine play the opening match of a new under-15s tournament in September in the US.
- The tournament is open to all 211 Fifa members.
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino aims to promote peace and global unity through football.
- This follows an incident where the Palestinian Football Association president refused to shake hands with the Israel FA's vice-president at a previous Fifa congress.
- Miami is the most likely venue for the tournament.
- A girls' edition will follow the boys' competition, with separate festivals planned annually from 2028.
- Fifa sources rejected concerns about political meddling, emphasizing Infantino's commitment to using the tournament for hope.
- Palestinian delegates expressed strong feelings against shaking hands due to the ongoing conflict.