Club football resumes in Palestinian territories and Lebanon

The football tournament “Cup of a Thousand Martyrs” has started in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and Palestinian refugee camps in Lebanon. The competition was organized by the Palestinian Football Association. The tournament marks the return of club football after a break that lasted nearly three years.

Kickoff in three locations

The first matches took place simultaneously in three locations. In the city of Al-Ram, north of Jerusalem, Jabal Al-Mukaber faced Shabab Al-Khalil at the Faisal Al-Husseini International Stadium. In the central part of the Gaza Strip, Khadamat Rafah played Shabab Rafah at the Ittihad Deir al-Balah Club Stadium.

At the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in southern Lebanon, Al-Ansar played against Al-Nahda at the Abu Jihad Al-Wazir Stadium. A total of 244 clubs from the West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Palestinian diaspora are taking part in the competition. The group-stage draw was held on September 1 simultaneously at different branches of the association.

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Tournament in memory of athletes

As reported by Anadolu Agency, the competition was named in memory of Palestinian athletes who died during Israel’s war against the Gaza Strip. Mustafa Siam, secretary-general of the Palestinian Sports Media Association, said that more than 1,000 athletes, including players, coaches and referees, were killed during the war.

According to Siam, the start of the tournament signals the return of sporting life, albeit in a limited format. The Palestinian Football Association said the competition should become a step toward the gradual restoration of domestic tournaments.

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