FIFA is proposing that the opening game of a new youth tournament should be between Israel and Palestine, it has been reported.
The football governing body has said the first game of the inaugural under-15s football festival in the US should involve the two nations, according to The Athletic which has spoken to sources with knowledge of the plans.
The event is set to take place in September and is open to all 211 of Fifa's member associations, including Russia.
Russia has been banned from Fifa competitions since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
It comes after Fifa president Gianni Infantino failed to get representatives from the Israel and Palestine football federations to shake hands and pose for a photo at the Fifa annual congress in April.
The Fifa president called Jibril Rajoub, the president of the Palestinian football federation, and Basim Sheikh Suliman, the Israel FA Vice-President, onto the stage and in front of the other delegates in the room.
But Rajoub refused to stand next to Suliman when Infantino attempted to bring them closer together for a handshake and photo opportunity.
Rajoub stood his ground when Infantino placed a hand on his shoulder and encouraged him to co-operate and exclaimed "we are suffering" to the crowd.
Israel has committed to expanding its control of Palestinian territories despite a ceasefire with Hamas.
The new tournament was announced at the Fifa Council meeting in December, and it will involve shorter matches and smaller pitches. The teams will comprise between seven and nine players per side.
This year’s edition will feature just boys’ teams but next year it will will feature girls’ teams too.
“Our FA President, Moshe Zuares, will stick to what he said publicly several times at Fifa congress and everywhere – we are more than ever willing to use football as an instrument to promote normalization and peace,” a spokesperson for the Israel Football Association said.
“Our hands are always extended for a better future for everyone. We hope to find a brave partner on the other side”.
The Palestine Football Association did not respond to The Athletic when approached for comment.
“We have been very active in promoting youth competitions and development, and this is a natural next step, and a very joyous one,” Infantino said in a statement in December.
“Having Fifa U-15 festivals for boys and girls will be fundamental in Fifa’s quest to give every talent a chance all over the world and yet another example of how Fifa reinvests in the game.”
