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Act now to stop anti-Israel hate at football matches, campaigners urge FIFA

Three Algerian players reportedly withdrew from a recent match to protest Israeli coach Avram Grant's inclusion

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FIFA has been urged to take action after a spate of anti-Israel incidents.

The advocacy group UK Lawyers For Israel (UKLFI) lodged an official complaint against what it said were clear breaches of the football governing body’s regulations and “spirit”.

Three Algerian players — Rabah Madjer, Rafik Saifi and Rafik Halliche — reportedly withdrew from last month’s Arab Legends v World Legends match in Qatar in protest at Israeli coach Avram Grant’s participation.

Other players did take part but scribbled out the Israeli flag on their shirts, which bore the colours of the 211 FIFA member countries. UKLFI also cited as a potential breach reports that Algerian players waved Palestinian flags during Arab Cup games.

In a letter to its FIFA’s secretary general Fatma Samba Diouf Samoura UKLFI director Sam Green urged the body to enforce its rules.

He warned: “If these incidents are allowed to pass without the sanction ... then in future all obligations on players and associations in FIFA governing documents will ring hollow.”

FIFA was approached for comment.

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