FIFA eventually decided not to take any disciplinary action against Egypt's team coach Hossam Hassan. The controversy broke out after he had won Australia in the 1/8th World Championship Final 2026 Hassan celebrated on the field, carrying the Palestinian flag.
The coach then said, among others:
"I am flesh and soul with Palestinians,"
adding that it dedicates victory to both the Egyptian and Palestinian people.
Acute Reactions in Israel
FIFA's decision met with fierce criticism in Israeli media and political circles. The journal Israel Hayom described it as failure in efforts to impose sanctions on an Egyptian trainer.
Israeli commentators compare the case to an earlier FIFA ruling that prohibited the exposure of Iran's flag before the 1979 Revolution. They stress that the organisation distinguishes between flags of recognised member federations and political symbols not covered by the Rules of Procedure.
FIFA position
In an official statement (about which he wrote, among others, the British "The Guardian") FIFA explained that the flag of Palestine is fully allowed because Palestinian Football Federation is one of 211 members of the organization.
"Flags of all FIFA member federations are allowed at tournaments, subject to the stadium rules and code of conduct" - stressed the organisation.
No disciplinary action against Hossam Hassan was therefore initiated.
The incident once again sparked a broad debate on the boundaries of political expression in sport and the role of FIFA in such situations.
What do you think of this decision? Do you Sports should be completely free from politics, are such gestures okay? Let me know in the comments.
And that's why I haven't watched sports for years.
Politics, drugs, money beats...