Football

Palestinian FA chief hits out at Israeli federation VP at FIFA Congress

Both men were called to the stand by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who put his hand on the Palestinian FA chief's arm and, with a gesture, invited him to come closer to the Israeli FA VP.

|ByREUTERS
FIFA President Gianni Infantino (C) interacts with the President of the Palestine Football Association Jibril Rajoub as the Vice-President of Israel Football Association Basim Sheikh Suliman (L) looks on during a heated moment in the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada on April 30, 2026.
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub speaks during the 74th FIFA Congress, May 17, 2024, in Bangkok.

Palestinian Football Association appeals to sports court over FIFA ruling on Israel

The Palestinian Football Association has long argued that Israeli clubs based in the West Bank should not compete in leagues run by the Israel Football Association.

|ByREUTERS
A picture shows flags of Italy and of the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) at the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) headquarters during a meeting of the Italian football authorities after the national team failed to qualify for a third consecutive World Cup, in Rome on April 2, 2026.

Trump envoy seeks to replace Iran with Italy in upcoming World Cup - Financial Times

Iran had said earlier that it would decide on participation in the World Cup only after receiving a response from FIFA regarding the relocation of its matches from the US to Mexico.

|ByREUTERS
Pro-Palestinian activists protest with a football-shaped sign and a Palestinian flag outside Wembley Stadium on October 2nd, 2025 in London, United Kingdom.

Trump’s antisemitism envoy says US will bar World Cup attendees tied to antisemitism abroad

Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun was quoted as saying that the US was “holding countries accountable for ministers who are saying things, and they are not being allowed into the country.”

|ByGRACE GILSON/JTA

Five stars, one fashion campaign

A first-of-its-kind move in Israel: Lee Cooper brings together five football players from rival teams as ambassadors for summer 2025, in a campaign with an investment of NIS 1.2 million.

MAY 15, 2025ByRAANAN BARANOVSKI
Lee Cooper's football team

Eran Zahavi to announce his leave from Maccabi Tel Aviv at end of season

Though there was a mutual option to extend his contract, Zahavi independently chose to step away, marking the end of his second stint with the club.

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
ERAN ZAHAVI has not chosen to retire, but the 37-year-old Israeli striker will not play next season with Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Manor of influence: Solomon’s stunning Leeds season sparks transfer tug-of-war

After a sensational season in which he became one of Leeds United’s most influential figures, Manor Solomon now finds himself at a crossroads as the summer transfer window looms.

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
LEEDS UNITED is interested in making Manor Solomon’s loan permanent this summer, but appears to face plenty of competition for the Israeli’s services.

Training the Brain, Winning the Game with Mind-Controlled Video Games

How Israeli Startup i-BrainTech is Revolutionizing Athlete Recovery and Performance

MAY 14, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
A footballer at a top club trains with i-BrainTech

Ironi Tiberias and Ashdod secure premier league survival, Maccabi Petah Tikva relegated

Maccabi Petah Tikva’s drop and Ironi Tiberias’ survival highlight the latest Israeli soccer relegation playoffs.

MAY 12, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
IRONI TIBERIAS fans celebrate during the 0-0 draw against Maccabi Petah Tikva over the weekend, a result that ensured their club’s top-tier survival.

‘Excitement in the air!’ Team sports live draw held for Maccabiah

The draw included football, basketball, 3x3 basketball, and futsal, in addition to other group ball sports such as ice hockey, rugby, and baseball.

MAY 7, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
In preparation for the Maccabiah, which will open on July 8, a live draw for team sports was held for ball sports with more than one group. Maccabiah CEO Roy Hessing stated: ‘We are working around the clock to ensure a top-notch sports experience.’

Maccabi Tel Aviv, Beersheba still neck-and-neck

Bloomfield draw keeps title race tight • Netanya blanks Beitar • Mac Haifa still reeling from Bachar’s firing

MAY 6, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
Maccabi Tel Aviv's Weslley Patati (left) and Hapoel Beersheba’s Eliel Peretz vie for the ball during their teams’ 1-1 draw at Bloomfield Stadium.

End of an era: Maccabi Haifa parts ways with Barak Bachar and Gal Alberman

The dual resignation comes after Maccabi Haifa suffered a humiliating 5-1 derby defeat to Hapoel Haifa.

MAY 5, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Barak Bachar led Maccabi Haifa through triumphs and setbacks over two stints at the club before being abruptly let go late Sunday after the Greens’ dramatic downturn in form late in the season.

Manor Solomon’s moment of magic lifts Leeds United to Championship glory

Reports suggest Tottenham are open to selling Solomon for £15–20 million – a fee that now seems like a bargain for a player who has become a fan favorite.

MAY 4, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST SPORTS STAFF
Leeds United's Israeli forward Manor Solomon celebrates after scoring the Championship title-clinching goal against Plymouth Argyle in a 2-1 win on Saturday.

Beitar Jerusalem to battle Bnei Reineh in State Cup semifinals

Beitar Jerusalem beat Bnei Sakhnin 3-0 after a goalless first half.

APRIL 8, 2025ByJOSHUA HALICKMAN
YARDEN SHUA scored and set up another goal in Beitar Jerusalem's 3-0 State Cup quarterfinal victory over Bnei Sakhnin.