Palestinian FA Boss Banned For Hateful Comments On Messi

The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President, Jibril Rajoub has been slapped with a 12-month ban and a fine of 20,000 Swiss francs ($20,360) for his inappropriate comments on Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi.

Rajoub was sanctioned by the football body’s disciplinary committee following media statements credited to him as he called on football fans to burn pictures and jerseys of Messi and also target the Argentinian Football Association (AFA).

According to a statement released on the FIFA website, the Palestinian FA boss breached article 53 (Inciting hatred and violence) of the FIFA Disciplinary Code.

His comments came just before a friendly match between Israel and Argentina initially scheduled for June 9, 2018 but was later cancelled.

The 12-month match ban means that Rajoub won’t be able to attend football matches or competitions in any official capacity.

He is completely banned from all football-related activities.

His becomes effective as from Friday, August 24, 2018.