Football in Palestine is set for a major return after the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) announced that domestic competitions will resume on September 4, 2026, following a suspension of almost three years.
The return of club football is being seen as an important moment for Palestinian sport, which has faced major disruption because of the war and its impact on sporting facilities, players and clubs.
The opening competition has been named the “Thousand Martyrs’ Cup” in honour of 1,014 Palestinian athletes who, according to the PFA, have died during the conflict.
A total of 226 clubs have been invited to take part in the competition. They include 146 clubs from the occupied West Bank, 44 from the Gaza Strip and 36 clubs representing Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon.
PFA President Jibril Rajoub said the return of football demonstrates the determination of Palestinians to continue their sporting activities despite the difficult conditions.
“We have not lost our national will, nor have we lost our belief that sport will remain a symbol of hope and life,” Rajoub said.
In July, the association said preparations were underway to reorganise sporting activities across the West Bank, Gaza, Jerusalem and the Palestinian diaspora.
The association has also sought international support to help Palestinian football overcome financial and security challenges.
It has previously raised concerns about difficulties affecting the development of football infrastructure and has called on international sporting bodies to support the game in Palestine.
