Amman/Jerusalem — Ahmed Taha, a 24-year-old forward for Sport Club Kafr Qasim in Israel's second-tier Leumit League, made his international debut for the Palestinian national team in a 2026 World Cup qualifier against Jordan last week.
The match, held in Amman, ended in a 3-1 victory for Jordan. Taha assisted Tamer Seyam for Palestine’s only goal of the game.
A debut well-kicked with an assist, and an outrage in Israeli football. Ahmed Taha against Jordan (Photo courtesy: Palestinian Football Association)
Taha, who was born and raised in the Arab-Israeli town of Kafr Qasim, has been one of the standout performers in the Leumit League this season. His call-up to the Palestinian national team marked a personal milestone in his career—but it has also triggered a political backlash.
Israel’s Sports Minister, Miki Zohar, publicly criticized Taha’s participation in the match and called on the Israeli Football Association to take disciplinary action against the player. "This is unacceptable," Zohar said in a statement. "Representing a rival national team while playing in an Israeli league is something that must not be allowed."
As of now, the Israel Football Association has not responded publicly or indicated whether it intends to pursue any action against Taha. According to FIFA regulations, players are permitted to represent national teams for which they hold citizenship or eligibility, and Palestine is a recognized member of FIFA.
Taha has not commented on the controversy. At his club, SC Kafr Qasim, officials have indicated that the forward remains focused on the ongoing domestic season. The club has not issued a formal statement on the matter.
The incident highlights the complex intersection of sports, identity, and politics in the region—an intersection that Taha now finds himself at the centre of. Since 2011, tenths footballers who grew up in Israeli football have represented the Palestinian national team, after moving to play in the Palestinian West Bank Premier League. In recent years, the Palestinian football association has started to call also footballers that play in the Israeli football association’ system.
Ahmed Taha hasn’t responded to BabaGol approaches.
Ahmed Taha shines for Palestine with assist vs Jordan—now Israel’s sports minister wants him banned from the local league.