By Abdulgafar Oladimeji

World football governing body FIFA is in a stalemate in finding solutions to the lingering crisis between Israel Football Association , IFA versus Palestine Football Federation . PFF.

IFA was affiliated to FIFA in 1948.

PFF had a Provisional affiliation to FIFA in 31 May 1995, became full member in 1998

FIFA has continued to hold its breath from taking a definite decision on the matter involving both football governing bodies.

Palestine Football Federation had asked FIFA to suspend or expel of Israel FA over the allegations bordering on the restrictions of the movement of players between Gaza and the West Bank.

PFF also alleged that Israel was hindering the Palestine federation from gaining access to the importation of football equipments.

Sepp Blatter and Jacques Rogge, then presidents of FIFA and the International Olympic Committee had travelled to the region in efforts to find solutions to the dispute, this moves failed to yield the much anticipated solutions to the dispute.

In May 2024 at the FIFA Congress, meeting held in Bangkok, PFF asked for a vote on a proposal to exclude Israel, the congress then referred the matter to FIFA Council.

FIFA has continued to hope and search for mechanism through which the dispute could be resolved, considering that both federations are its affiliate that are entitled to enjoy equal treatments in all football matters.

The autumn council meeting, in Zurich, resorted to the implementation of an “independent legal analysis” by allowing for the governance, audit and compliance committee for an investigations into PFF’s allegations of discrimination in breach of FIFA regulations.

Also there were claims on the alleged participation by clubs from Palestinian territories in competitions organized by Israel.

Speaking on the dispute , Infantino said: “The FIFA Council has implemented due diligence on this very sensitive matter and, based on a thorough assessment, we have followed the advice of the independent experts.

“The ongoing violence in the region confirms that, above all considerations, and as stated at the 74th FIFA Congress, we need peace. As we remain extremely shocked by what is happening, and our thoughts are with those who are suffering, we urge all parties to restore peace to the region with immediate effect.” Infantino said .

The Kano Sports Writers Association of Nigeria SWAN, organised a one-day workshop for Kano journalists on the role of reporting sporting activites.

The one-day workshop was held in Kano on Thursday, at Kano State Sports Commission, to inhence the importance of reporting on sports, which is key to maintaining the quality of delivery of sports journalists.

The General Manager of Kano Pillars FC, Abba Galadima, emphasized the importance of factual reporting by sports journalists.

Speaking at the ceremony, the National President of SWAN, Benjamin Isaiah, said sports journalism is factual, and calls for standing up to the facts about reporting sports events.

Represented by the SWAN National Ex–officio, Lurwanu Idris Malikawa, urged sports journalism to be factual while reporting sports.

Also, the lecturer at the Khalifa Isyka Rabiu University Kano, KHAIRUN, Dr. Yusuf Datti presented his paper on “Understanding tennis rules, surfaces and match technics.

In his remark, Abdulgafar Oladimeji, a Sports Veteran, called for journalists to always be mindful of the sports sector, urged them to focus on the investigation of sports activities.

The workshop was attended by the different sports presenters in Kano, commended SWAN leadership under Zahradden Saleh for organizing the workshop, acknowledging the support and cooperation.

As Kano Pillars prepares for the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) season, the team embarks on a crucial preseason tournament in Jos, Plateau State.

Kano Pillars Football Club, famously known as Sai Masu Gida, has departed Kano with a strong squad of 40 players to participate in the 3rd edition of the Gusau/Ahlan Preseason Tournament. The tournament, held in Jos, is a key preparatory event that attracts top football teams from across Nigeria.

Kano Pillars FC has been drawn into Group C, where they will face Discovery Talent Academy from Kebbi State, Mighty Jets FC of Jos, and NPFL rivals, Lobi Stars of Makurdi. According to the schedule, Pillars will begin their campaign on Thursday, August 22nd, with a match against Discovery Talent Academy. They will then face Mighty Jets FC on Friday, August 23rd, and conclude the group stage with a match against Lobi Stars on Sunday, August 25th.

Under the leadership of newly appointed Technical Adviser, Coach Usman Abdallah, Kano Pillars aims to use this tournament to fine-tune their strategies and assess the players’ readiness ahead of the 2024/25 NPFL season, which begins on August 31st, 2024.

The club’s management, technical team, and players are determined to make a strong impact at the tournament, viewing it as a valuable opportunity to foster team chemistry and build momentum. The club has called on its loyal fans, known as the Pillarites, to continue their unwavering support as the team embarks on this important journey.