Two new football pitches opened in West Bank
Bern, 22.09.2026 — Switzerland is supporting access to sport and safe meeting spaces for children in the occupied Palestinian territory. Alongside the world football federation FIFA, the FDFA has created two new football pitches – in Marah Rabah and Qusin – that were opened today. The project is part of the Federal Council's November 2025 support package for the Middle East.
Two new football pitches opened on 21 September 2026 in the West Bank municipalities of Marah Rabah and Qusin. They host an inaugural multi-day football tournament for boys and girls that is organised jointly by FIFA and the Palestinian Football Association. The new pitches were created by the FDFA in partnership with FIFA. After the tournament they will used for children's and grass-roots sport, in addition to functioning as meeting and community spaces.
The project originates from the Federal Council decision of 26 November 2025 on support for the Gaza Peace Plan. The FDFA provided CHF 120,000 in support for the construction of the two pitches as part of a co-financing arrangement with FIFA. With this project, the FDFA is helping to give children growing up amid conflict and uncertainty a little normality back, enabling them to enjoy sport and social interaction. Access to play, recreation and free time is a recognised children's right. Article 31 of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child guarantees each child the right to play and to participate in cultural and social life.
The official opening ceremony will be held on 25 September 2026 in the presence of delegates from the Swiss representative office in the occupied Palestinian territory, FIFA and the Palestinian Football Association.