November 5 – The top of Palestinian soccer has praised his workforce’s efforts to qualify for his or her first ever World Cup regardless of unrelenting restrictions positioned on the squad.
Palestine have drawn two and misplaced two of their 4 Asian group qualifiers up to now together with a extremely creditable 0-0 attract Seoul in opposition to South Korea of their opener in September.
The Palestinians, who can’t play on house soil, renew their marketing campaign in opposition to Oman in Muscat on November 14 earlier than “internet hosting” South Korea 5 days later.
“The suffocating insurance policies by the Israelis have paralysed the whole lot,” PFA President Jibril Rajoub advised Reuters.
“We suspended the whole lot, together with the nationwide league, however despite this we’ve insisted on persevering with our participation in competitions, and that features the World Cup qualification.”
“We’ve got an actual drawback as a result of we couldn’t convey any athletes from Gaza, and tens of them have misplaced their lives. In Gaza all sport services have been destroyed, together with a lot of the golf equipment, the stadiums and the whole lot are destroyed.
“Within the West Financial institution, they’re suffocating us, we can not do something. However that is our dedication, our dedication.”
Whereas securing a direct spot within the 2026 finals is unrealistic, Palestine may advance to a different spherical of playoffs with a third- or fourth-placed end of their group. Though they sit backside they’re solely a degree behind fourth-placed Oman.
“I believe they’re doing properly,” Rajoub mentioned of the workforce. “That is the primary time in our historical past we’ve certified for the third section despite the state of affairs. We don’t have a nationwide league so it’s not straightforward. Some athletes have misplaced their lives or their colleagues or mentors or coaches. This additionally, psychologically, will have an impact however regardless of this we try and taking part in properly.”
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