FIFA has confirmed that it is considering taking action following an Israeli airstrike last week on a pitch in the Gaza Strip.

Jerome Champagne, FIFA deputy general secretary, said it was a strike “without any reason” and that the field was not being used by Palestinians as a missile launching pad, as Israel’s ambassador to Switzerland had claimed.

“We have just asked for explanations,” Champagne said in a telephone interview. “FIFA has been fighting for more than a century to make this game universal. To hit a football field is really the wrong signal.”

Champagne said a decision would likely be announced early next week.

“Football should remain outside of politics,” Champagne added.

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