FIFA considers Israel-Palestine opener for new youth tournament

FIFA is considering staging an Israel-Palestine match as the opening fixture of a new under-15 tournament in the United States this September.The proposal remains under active consideration and has not yet been formally agreed with the two football associations.The tournament is intended to bring together all 211 FIFA Member Associations, giving the governing body a new youth development property with universal participation.Miami is viewed as the most likely host city, although FIFA has not confirmed the venue.Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, is understood to be closely involved in the plan and has repeatedly positioned football as a vehicle for peace and global unity.Infantino stated at the FIFA Congress in April: “Let me thank the two representatives from Israel and from Palestine, who have the same rights, duties and obligations, who are members of FIFA. We will work together, let’s work together to give hope to the children, let’s work together for that.“We have a beautiful under-15 tournament coming up, where we will invite all 211 countries to participate, all the children of the world, let’s do it for that. Let’s work together. You have my commitment, you have the support of the whole room.”The comments followed an unsuccessful attempt by Infantino to bring Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub and Israel Football Association vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman together for a public handshake.Rajoub declined to participate, underlining the political sensitivity surrounding any FIFA attempt to present football as a bridge between the two sides.Susan Shalabi, vice-president of the Palestinian Football Association, later commented: “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.”That exchange raises questions over whether the proposed youth fixture would be welcomed by both associations or viewed as an attempt to create a symbolic moment without resolving the wider disputes between them.FIFA sources have rejected suggestions that involvement in such a politically charged initiative would be inappropriate, maintaining that the governing body can use football to promote dialogue.The tournament is not being positioned as an official under-15 World Cup, but it will be open to every FIFA member, including Russia despite their continued suspension from senior international competition.The first edition will be for boys, followed by a girls’ competition in 2027. FIFA plans to stage separate boys’ and girls’ under-15 festivals annually from 2028.