Palestinians postpone cup final, saying Israel denied Gaza footballers entry

The match between Shejaia and Al-Ahly had been hailed as a milestone that could lead to unified competitions for Gaza and West Bank teams

The Palestinian Football Federation has postponed the second leg of the Palestine Cup final, between the champions of the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, after Israel denied entry permits to some of the Gaza players, sport officials said.
The Shejaia club from the Gaza Strip needs approval to pass through an Israeli border crossing to reach the occupied West Bank city of Hebron, where Sunday’s game with Al-Ahly was scheduled.
“It became clear seven people, including four players, were not on the list and therefore, the entire mission can’t leave Gaza without them,” said Ala Shammaly of the Shejaia media office.
Earlier this week Gaza sports official Abdel-Salam Haniyeh said the match was a milestone for Palestinian football, and could lead to unified competitions for Gaza and West Bank teams. Palestinians want the two territories to be part of a future independent state, together with East Jerusalem.
“This is an achievement for the Palestinian sports family and is a first step towards a unified Palestinian league and cup tournament,” Haniyeh told Reuters at a lavish reception at a Gaza hotel for the West Bank visitors.
“I am full of honour and pride, this is the first time I have ever visited Gaza and I can’t find the words to describe my feelings,” Al-Ahly forward Khaldon al-Halman said.
At the annual Fifa Congress in May, Palestine threatened to call for a vote for Israel’s suspension from world football, but it dropped its motion at the last minute and Fifa agreed to send observers to monitor the situation.
Palestinian football authorities have complained that Israel restricts the movement of players and officials to and from the Palestinian territories.

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2015/aug/07/palestinians-postpone-cup-final-saying-israel-denied-gaza-footballers-entry

And so it continues.