Saudi fans overjoyed about match with 'Palestinian brothers'

Saudi football fans are overjoyed for their national team's historic match against Palestine in the occupied West Bank on October 15 but refuted suggestions that it marks gradual stability in relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel. Meanwhile, experts say the match could be a balancing act on the backdrop of recent Iran actions in the gulf and the fact that both are US allies.  

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Fans: No normalisation

Historically, Arab clubs and the national team have refused to plat in Palestinian regions which have been under Israel's control since 1967. Going to West Bank requires permission from Israel and Many Arab nations do not recognise Israel as a country.  Fans meanwhile reportedly say that It is not normalisation, it is still occupied Palestine and as far as Saudi Arabia is concerned there is no such state like Israel. Fan said that it was a good thing to support sport in Palestine due to the situation in the region and for Saudi Arabia, the issue of Palestine remains a fundamental cause. 

The Saudi National team had defeated Singapore 3-0 last week and will now play against Palestine in West Bank in Asian qualifiers for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The game will be a change in the stand for the Saudis since the previous matches against Palestine took place in a different country due to the years-long Arab boycott of Israel. But due to common stand against Iran, which both countries have, Saudi Arabia and Israel have been brought together. 

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'Nothing to do with politics'

As per Saudi Sports Authority, the decision to play in West Bank was a result of a request from brothers in the Palestinian federation and to ensure that the team is not deprived of the chance to play at home and among its fans. The match has nothing to do with politics for Saudi football fans. According to reports, fans say that as far as Saudis and Palestinians are concerned, the objective of the match is to qualify for the World Cup.

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Experts: A balancing act

Reports say that experts have called it a balancing act. Ofer Zalzberg who is a senior analyst with International Crisis group revealed that Saudi Arabia was attempting a balancing act of quitely moving closer to Israel while simultaneously keeping the Palestinians satisfied. 

He said that Saudis are paying heed to Ramallah's request of playing in West Bank in order to offset a sense that they are normalising with Israel while neglecting Palestinian needs, further adding that official recognition of Israel is unlikely. 

(With inputs from PTI)

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