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 State contingent at the ongoing 8th Edition of the National Youth Games in Asaba, Delta State, has made a special appeal to Governor Abba Kabiru Yusuf for assistance.

A source within the entourage, speaking off the record, revealed that the State Sports Commission had earlier submitted a proposal through the office of the Secretary to the State Governor to expedite the release of funds.

Despite the release of the funds, the Commission has not yet received the money to distribute to the team members.

The source lamented that during the previous edition of the Games, the state contingent, which had a larger team, was allocated more funds than this time around, even though the local currency has depreciated and inflation is on the rise.

The contingent also called on the current administration, through the Commissioner for Sports, Hon. Mustapha Rabi’u Musa Kwankwaso, to address the issue promptly to protect the state’s reputation as a leader in various fields.

The athletes fear that if the situation is not urgently addressed, Kano may lose the opportunity to win medals, as they have occasionally arrived late to game venues.

As of the time of filing this report, efforts to contact the Commissioner or his representative regarding the issue have been unsuccessful.

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.