|
Palestinian football is enjoyed by everyone irrespective of age, caste and creed. The Palestine National Football Team is a national team of Palestinian Football Federation. The new Palestine Football Federation was formed in 1962 after the creation of Palestinian Authority. It reached an all time high FIFA ranking of 115 in April 2006 and reached a low of 191 FIFA ranking in April 1999. FIFA granted Palestine its nation status in 1996, even in the absence of a separate Palestinian state.
The internal turmoil of the country has presented many obstacles to the Palestinian football team. It is indeed an irony that though football in Palestine is a popular game, the Palestine National Football Team has never been able to qualify for the World Cup. In the Asian Cup also it failed to qualify in the years 2000, 2004 and 2007. There were some cherished moments of triumph for this team. The Palestine football team qualified for the Arab Cup in the year 1999 and was able to bag the bronze medal. This was indeed a proud moment for the football in Palestine as they did their nation proud. In the AFC Challenge Cup in 2006 they were able to qualify and play in the quarter finals.
The Palestinian Football Federation, have faced many difficulties in organizing training camps for the talented footballers. The occupied territories have poor training facilities. Travel restrictions because of the internal conflict with Israel, posed additional hindrance for the football team members.
Recently, the present government is trying its best to improve the condition of football in Palestine. Foreign aids are being encouraged and professional coaches have been hired to train the footballers to learn the various tactics and techniques of the game. A number of players, who have a Palestinian lineage are encouraged to sign up for the team. Ricardo Abdullah is one such footballer from Santiago de Chile who has represented the Palestine football team for three years. Present football team captain of Palestine is Saeb Jendeya.
The Palestinian football team is in a process of ongoing struggle to make a mark in the world football scenario. The road ahead is bright and full of promises.
|
