BREAKING: Palestinian FA boss, Jibril Rjoub gets 12-month FIFA ban for hate speech against Messi

Rjoub’s statements were made ahead of a friendly match scheduled for 9 June 2018 in Jerusalem between Israel and Argentina; the match was later cancelled.

 

The Disciplinary Committee of the FIFA has sanctioned the President of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Jibril Rjoub, with a 12-month match suspension and a fine of CHF 20,000 for inciting hatred and violence, Maanews.com.

According to FIFA, Rjoub breached article 53, (Inciting hatred and violence), of the FIFA Disciplinary Code, following media statements he gave calling on football fans to target the Argentinian Football Association and burn jerseys and pictures of Lionel Messi.

Rjoub’s statements were made ahead of a friendly match scheduled for 9 June 2018 in Jerusalem between Israel and Argentina; the match was later cancelled.

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee held that Mr Rajoub’s statements incited hatred and violence and consequently imposed the above-mentioned sanctions.

A statement by FIFA said that the 12-month match suspension imposed on Rjoub entails a ban on taking part in any future match or competition taking place during the given period.

Consequently, Rjoub will not be able to attend football matches or competitions in any official capacity, which includes, among others, participating in media activities at stadiums or in their vicinity on match days.