Platini backs Israel over calls to suspend them from FIFA

UEFA President Michel Platini has told Israeli Football Association officials that he will support Israel against any calls from the Palestinian FA to suspend them from FIFA.

IFA chairman Ofer Eini, CEO Rotem Kemer and legal advisor Efraim Barak met with Platini and UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino in Switzerland after Palestinian chiefs had renewed their bid to suspend Israel from international football over restrictions set out by Israel which affects the travel of players and officials.

An IFA statement said: “Platini stressed that Israel is an inseparable part of UEFA and is an equal member that is welcome in the UEFA family.”

The Israeli delegation plan to meet FIFA president Sepp Blatter next week.