In a recent visit to Bahrain, Palestinian Supreme Youth and Sports Council Chairman, President of Palestine Football Association and Head of the Palestinian Olympic Committee, Major General Jibril Rajoub, oversaw two friendly matches between the Palestinian women’s football team and Bahrain. During his stay, he spoke to Bahrain This Month about his dedication to promoting sports, especially women’s participation, during his nation’s ongoing struggles.
The Palestinian women’s football team, established under challenging circumstances, symbolises resilience and determination. “In spite of all the difficulties, even the restrictions on our movement, we made a huge effort to come here and play these matches,” Mr. Rajoub explained. The Palestinian Football Association, originally formed before the 1948 Nakba, faced many disruptions. However, it was re-established and joined FIFA in 1998, marking a significant step in Palestinian sports history.
Mr. Rajoub’s leadership has been pivotal since he took charge in 2008. “Immediately upon my appointment, I started organising fixtures,” he shared, highlighting his swift efforts to strengthen women’s football. Today, Palestine boasts a robust women’s national team, with 21 women’s clubs and a significant presence of female referees and coaches. “One third of all Palestinian sport associations are females,” Mr. Rajoub noted, underlining the strides made towards gender equality in sports.
He believes that sports, particularly football, play a crucial role in uniting people and promoting peace. Not only that, he argues that it can connect the world and present the Palestinian cause. “For me, presenting our justice to the international community, to everybody, through athletes, teams and games, fosters a peaceful culture and protects our youth from frustration and hopelessness,” he said.
Mr. Rajoub recounted a notable event where the Palestinian women’s national team played against Dublin’s Bohemian club, highlighting the significance of such international engagements. “It was a great event in Europe, promoting the awareness of peaceful culture and education,” he remarked.
Looking ahead, the Palestinian men’s football team is gearing up for the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualification. “There’s a big chance for Palestine to qualify for the third phase of the World Cup,” he said with optimism. Such achievements would not only boost national pride but also reinforce the strategy of using sports to build bridges and foster international solidarity.
However, the journey has been fraught with challenges, primarily due to the ongoing Israeli occupation. “One of the worst enemies of this Israeli occupation is sport,” Mr. Rajoub asserted, highlighting the destruction of sports facilities and the killing of more than 300 athletes, including 82 footballers. Despite these setbacks, the Palestinian sports community remains undeterred. “We have no other choice. We will not give up,” he said staunchly.
Mr. Rajoub has actively raised these issues with governing body FIFA, advocating for the suspension of Israel due to violations of FIFA statutes and the Olympic Charter. “For example, one of their clear violations is that they have six clubs playing in the national official league while the clubs are located in the occupied territories,” he pointed out. Such violations, he argues, should not go unchecked.
Ultimately, through his efforts to promote Palestinian sports and in particular women’s football, Mr. Rajoub wants to advocate for hope, resilience and peace. His dedication to this cause, despite numerous challenges, underscores the power of sports to unite and inspire on the global stage.