Groundbreaking Stand: Algerian Football Federation Halts Matches to Support Palestinians

The Algerian Football Federation (FAF) has decided to halt all soccer matches as a gesture of support for Palestinians amidst the ongoing conflict involving Israel and the Palestinian militant group, Hamas. The announcement was made on Wednesday.

The Algerian Football Federation has decided to suspend all football competitions and matches until further notice, in solidarity with the Palestinian people and in respect for the martyrs and victims of the recent attacks in Gaza. This decision comes shortly after the FAF had offered to host the Palestinian national team's upcoming international fixtures amidst the escalating conflict.

"The Algerian Football Federation, in compliance with the instructions of the country's highest authorities and in response to a request made by Mr. Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Federation, has made the decision to host all official and unofficial matches for the Palestinian football team in Algeria. This initiative aims to support the team's preparations for the qualifiers of the 2026 World Cup and the 2027 Asian Cup of Nations, with the FAF taking care of all expenses associated with these events," stated a press release issued on Sunday.

Furthermore, the FAF announced its responsibility for hosting the Palestinian national team's upcoming home game, which is a qualifying match for the 2026 World Cup against Australia. The match is scheduled for November 21.

The actions are happening within the context of Israel's ongoing blockade of Gaza, which has resulted in the loss of more than 3,500 Palestinian lives, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

In response to a major terrorist attack in Israel on October 7, which claimed the lives of 1,400 individuals in the country, Israeli officials have initiated strikes in Gaza. It is important to note that these numbers are provided by Israeli authorities.