The chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel-Palestine, Tokyo Sexwale checks the building of the Palestinian football association which was destroyed in 2014 Israel- Gaza war during his visit to the Gaza Strip, Friday, July 1, 2016. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)
The Associated Press
BEIT LAHIYA, Gaza Strip (AP) - The head of a special FIFA committee aimed at improving soccer relations between Israel and the Palestinians says conflict and politics are the main issues hindering progress.
Panel chairman Tokyo Sexwale made the comments in a short visit to Gaza on Friday. He says "most of the problems are also very political."
Sexwale was appointed to head the committee last year after the Palestinians dropped a request for the FIFA Congress to vote on suspending Israel.
Palestinians say Israeli security restrictions limit movement of their players and visiting teams. Israel has cited security concerns, especially regarding movement in and out of Gaza ruled by the Islamic militant group Hamas.
Sexwale says his visit paves the way for a visit to by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, though he didn't elaborate.
The chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel-Palestine, Tokyo Sexwale checks the building of the Palestinian football association which was destroyed in 2014 Israel- Gaza war during his visit to the Gaza Strip, Friday, July 1, 2016. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)
The Associated Press
The chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel-Palestine, Tokyo Sexwale checks the building of the Palestinian football association which was destroyed in 2014 Israel- Gaza war during his visit to the Gaza Strip, Friday, July 1, 2016. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)
The Associated Press
The chairman of the FIFA Monitoring Committee Israel-Palestine, Tokyo Sexwale checks the building of the Palestinian football association which was destroyed in 2014 Israel- Gaza war during his visit to the Gaza Strip, Friday, July 1, 2016. (AP Photo/ Khalil Hamra)
The Associated Press