Natasha Hausdorff explains why FIFA rejected Palestinian bid to ban Israeli Football Association

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1. BBC: “The Republic of Ireland’s home match is to be played behind closed doors in Backa Topola, Serbia after Uefa approved a request from the FAI due to “operational issues” in staging the game in Dublin.
   In the letter to members, the FAI board indicated that it respected alternative opinions on whether the matches should be played but said a boycott would “result in Uefa disciplinary processes” which would include automatic forfeiture of six points, loss of income and potential disqualification from the competition.
   The letter went on to claim that not playing the games could also lead to Nations League relegation and affect future qualification to World Cups and European Championships.
   The FAI also estimated a financial loss of 10.3m euros which would lead to reduced investment across every level of the game from grassroots upwards.
   The letter went on to state that a boycott would set a precedent for all other Ireland teams, men and women at all age groups, should they be drawn against Israel…”

   article concludes with unintentional gallows humor: “…according to the territory’s Hamas-run health ministry, whose figures are seen as reliable by the UN.”

   https://www.bbc.com/sport/football/articles/ce375yel3d5o

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