As I get more and more excited about the upcoming Asian Cup, a sad question lingers in my mind. What will happen with Palestine?
I’m not interested in a political debate on a sport page. But rather address how current events in the Middle East will affect them and even Iraq.
Palestine has been acknowledged by FIFA since 1998. The Palestinian FA was founded in 1928.
Palestine has qualified for the Asian Cup 2015. This will be their first time on the biggest stage of Asian football. They qualified after winning the AFC Challenge Cup, a tournament that puts nations of lesser football ability against one another.
After beating Afghanistan in the semi-final, Palestine defeated the Philippines in the final which was held on the Maldives. The AFC chose to grant the 16th position of the Asian Cup to the winner of the tournament, perhaps in a bid to encourage growth in unhealthy football markets.
Almost the entire Palestine squad play in the West Bank Premier League, which is an area that currently has more to worry about than football.
Surely if they even still come to Australia, their tournament warm up is already ruined. They will certainly be affected by whatever state they are in emotionally and mentally. The tournament will function as a political statement, to try and bring some joy to their people.
I can imagine the players coming to Australia will seek asylum. I can even imagine Iraqi players may do the same, considering the situation there. I wouldn’t blame them either.
The big match is their last match in Group D. They play Iraq in our nation’s capital. Will any protests occur?
There are many people in the Middle East having a terrible time right now, but life and football goes on. I hope all nations in Asian Cup perform to the best of their abilities.
And may the best-selected Australian team win.
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