FIFA has fined the Israeli Football Association (IFA) 150,000 Swiss francs ($190,700) for “multiple breaches” of its anti-discrimination obligations, saying the federation failed to take meaningful action against persistent racist conduct linked to Beitar Jerusalem and wider incidents in Israeli football.
In a decision published Thursday, FIFA’s disciplinary committee said the IFA imposed “deficient and substantively inadequate” sanctions on Beitar Jerusalem despite “persistent and well-documented racist behaviour” by supporters. The report cited recurring chants directed at Arab players, including the use of ethnic slurs such as “terrorist,” and referenced the club’s long-associated “forever pure” slogan as evidence of a systemic problem rather than isolated incidents. The case followed a complaint filed in October 2024 by the Palestine Football Association (PFA), which alleged discrimination and urged FIFA to suspend the IFA. FIFA opened an investigation after that referral, but did not adopt the suspension request.
Beyond the fine, FIFA said the IFA received a formal warning and must display a “significant and highly visible” banner at its next three FIFA competition home matches reading: “Football Unites the World – No to Discrimination.” FIFA also ordered that one-third of the fine be directed toward implementing a plan to prevent повтор incidents and improve anti-discrimination enforcement.
Separately, FIFA said it would take no action following another strand of the PFA’s complaints alleging that Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements participate in Israel’s domestic leagues in breach of FIFA rules. The decision leaves unchanged a longstanding and politically sensitive dispute over settlement-based teams.
