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Israel bans Gaza, West Bank footballers from playing on Palestinian Cup

Xinhua, August 3, 2015 Adjust font size:

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) postponed on Sunday the final match of the Palestinian Soccer Cup after Israel banned West Bank footballers from playing in Gaza.

The PFA said in an emailed press statement that the final soccer match was scheduled to be played between the West Bank city Hebron Sports club team and the Gaza-based al-Shuja'eya sports club team in Gaza.

"The Association decided to annul the match after the Israeli authorities banned the football players in Hebron to cross from the West Bank to Gaza through Israel," said the statement.

The PFA statement also said that the Israeli authorities also refused to let the football team of the Gaza-based al-Shuja'eya sports club to cross from Gaza to the West Bank through Israel to play the final match of the Palestinian Cup.

"The PFA has immediately addressed urgent letters of protest to the International Football Federation (FIFA) and its executive board as well as to the European Union and as well as the Arab and Asian football unions," it said.

The statement added that the Israeli measures and practices on the ground urge the Sports International Community to bear its responsibility and help the Palestinian sports men to get their legitimate rights.

The statement reiterated that the PFA will follow up the case of banning the two teams from travelling "to unveil the haphazard measures against the Palestinian sports."

The two teams; the one from Heron in the West Bank and the one from Gaza were scheduled to play two matches; a first leg and a second leg to decide who will be the winner of the Palestinian Cup.

It is the first time in so many years that the PFA launches a race on the Palestinian succor cup between Gaza and West Bank teams.

The Palestinians are complaining that Israel is imposing restrictions on their free movement, mainly sports men and footballers. Israel always says it banns the free movement of the Palestinians for security reasons. Endi