Bennett: FIFA says Israel could host 2030 World Cup with Arab states

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had suggested organising the 2030 FIFA World Cup in Israel in partnership with other countries in the region, led by the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Bennett met Infantino in his office in Jerusalem on the first visit by a FIFA president to Israel, his office said in a statement.

“During their meeting, the FIFA president raised the idea that Israel, in addition to the countries of the region, led by the United Arab Emirates, participate in hosting the 2030 World Cup,” the statement said.

The Palestinian Football Association said it had refused to receive Infantino following his participation in a ceremony held at the ruins of an ancient Islamic cemetery in Jerusalem.

The association said Infantino’s participation in the ceremony “politicized sports and does not serve the cause of peace or tolerance”.

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