Why Are Gaza Footballers Feeling Erased From the World Cup?
Gaza footballers continue training amid the ongoing conflict in the region, but many feel excluded from the global football stage, including the FIFA World Cup, according to reports from local sports organizations and international observers. Despite efforts to maintain football activities, players and officials say their efforts are overlooked by major tournaments and governing bodies.
What Challenges Do Gaza Footballers Face?
The Israeli military’s ongoing operations in Gaza have destroyed or damaged multiple sports facilities, including the Khan Younis Stadium and the Gaza City Sports Complex, according to the Palestinian Football Association (PFA). “We’ve lost our infrastructure, and without proper venues, it’s nearly impossible to host matches or training sessions,” said PFA spokesperson Mohammed Al-Khatib.
The conflict has also disrupted access to equipment and medical care. A 2024 report by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) noted that over 70% of Gaza’s sports facilities are non-operational, leaving athletes with limited resources.
How Are They Responding to the Exclusion?
Despite these challenges, grassroots football initiatives persist. Local leagues, such as the Gaza Premier League, continue to operate in makeshift fields, often on beaches or open land. “We play for survival, for hope,” said 22-year-old midfielder Ahmed Al-Sayed, who trains daily near the ruins of a former stadium.
However, international recognition remains elusive. FIFA, the global governing body, has not hosted a Gaza team in a World Cup qualifier since 2018, and the PFA has faced repeated barriers to participation. “We’ve submitted applications, but there’s no response,” Al-Khatib said.
What Role Do International Bodies Play?
FIFA has stated that it “supports football development in conflict zones,” but critics argue the organization has not taken concrete steps to include Gaza. A 2023 statement from FIFA’s secretary-general, Fatma Samoura, emphasized “humanitarian aid and infrastructure rebuilding,” but did not address tournament inclusion.
In contrast, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has funded grassroots projects in Palestine, including a 2022 initiative to repair sports facilities. However, these efforts have not extended to Gaza, where access is restricted by Israeli checkpoints and airspace closures.
Why Does This Matter for Global Football?
The exclusion of Gaza footballers reflects broader systemic challenges for sports in conflict zones. Similar issues have been reported in Syria and Yemen, where athletes face displacement and resource shortages. In 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) launched a program to support “sports in crisis,” but Gaza remains a priority for many advocates.
“Football is a universal language, but it’s not being spoken here,” said Dr. Lina Abou-Zeid, a sports policy analyst at the University of Cambridge. “Ignoring Gaza risks perpetuating a cycle of marginalization.”
What’s Next for Gaza Football?
The PFA has called for urgent international intervention, including diplomatic pressure on FIFA to grant Gaza entry into World Cup qualifiers. Meanwhile, local players are organizing charity matches to raise awareness. A recent event in Jordan, featuring Gaza-born players, drew over 10,000 attendees and raised $50,000 for sports equipment.
As the conflict continues, the question remains: Will global football institutions prioritize inclusion, or will Gaza’s athletes remain on the sidelines?
Palestinian Football Association | FIFA | OCHA | UEFA
