UEFA President's Intervention Saves Palestinian Refugee Football Pitch in West Bank

A football pitch used by refugees in the occupied West Bank has been saved from demolition after an intervention by the president of Uefa, Aleksander Ceferin. A decision to stop plans to remove the pitch in the Aida refugee camp outside Bethlehem was taken by Israeli security forces on Tuesday after an international campaign for its preservation. Ceferin is understood to have held three telephone conversations with the Israeli Football Association (IFA) to discuss the issue of the Aida pitch during the past week, with the IFA relaying the concerns to security services. It is understood that the Fifa executive has also been in discussions with the IFA. The Aida camp stands next to the West Bank separation barrier and was home to 7,244 Palestine refugees in 2023, according to UN agency for Palestinian refugees. The pitch, laid in 2021, is the only one in the camp and is used regularly by members of the community, including girls who have represented Palestine at youth level. It became the focus of global attention this month after it was reported that Israeli authorities had served notice that the pitch was to be removed because, the Israel Defense Forces said, it was built unlawfully. “We can confirm that the Uefa president has been in contact with the Israel football federation regarding the preservation of a football pitch in a refugee camp in the West Bank,” Uefa said. “We take the opportunity to thank the president of the federation, Moshe Zuares, for his efforts to help protect the site from demolition. We hope the pitch can continue to serve the local community as a safe space for children and youth.” Zuares is a member of Uefa’s executive committee. The change of direction by Israeli authorities comes amid consistent pressure on football’s governing authorities to take action against the IFA. A ban on the country and its clubs from taking part in Uefa competitions was believed to be on the verge implementation last autumn before the latest ceasefire in Gaza was agreed. Fifa is also under pressure to resolve a long-running inquiry into allegations that teams based in illegally occupied Palestinian territory have been allowed to compete in the Israeli league.