The Palestinian Football Association has officially declared that professional sports leagues will restart on September 4. This announcement, delivered by association President Jibril Rajoub in Ramallah, marks the end of a nearly three-year hiatus that began following the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023.

To commemorate the significant loss of life within the athletic community, the inaugural tournament is titled the “Thousand Martyrs’ Cup.” According to data released by the association, this event serves as a tribute to the 1,014 Palestinian athletes who were killed during the ongoing conflict.

Participation in the upcoming tournament is extensive, with over 200 clubs registered to compete. The field includes 146 teams from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, 44 clubs based in Gaza, and 36 squads representing Palestinian refugee camps located in Lebanon. Organizers confirmed that the tournament will commence simultaneously across all three regions.

During the press conference, Rajoub acknowledged the severe challenges faced by the sporting community, noting that the war created difficult conditions that necessitated the suspension of all competitions. Despite these obstacles, he emphasized that the association maintains its commitment to sport as a symbol of hope and national resilience.

Financial instability remains a primary concern for the association and its affiliated clubs. Rajoub utilized the platform to urge FIFA and international sporting federations to provide support, specifically requesting efforts to protect the rights of players and children to participate in sports with freedom and dignity.

Beyond immediate logistical concerns, the association continues to press FIFA regarding broader regulatory issues. The organization has questioned the governing body’s commercial direction and has formally requested that FIFA apply its regulations equally, without yielding to political pressures.

Finally, the association reiterated its demand for FIFA to impose sanctions on Israeli clubs operating within West Bank settlements. Citing international law, which views these settlements as illegal, the association argued that it is seeking the enforcement of legitimate rights guaranteed by international sporting charters rather than special privileges.