A soccer pitch in the Aida Refugee Camp in Bethlehem has avoided demolition after international pressure. The field faced an Israeli military order that claimed it was built without proper authorization.
Sources say leaders from FIFA and UEFA intervened to protect the site. FIFA President Gianni Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin reportedly raised the issue with Israeli officials. Swiss representatives also supported the effort.
UEFA confirmed that Čeferin contacted Israel Football Association President Moshe Zuares. He thanked Zuares for helping to protect the pitch from demolition. UEFA expressed hope that the field will continue to serve as a safe space for children and youth.
An official from the Israel Football Association said UEFA requested discussions with relevant authorities. For now, officials have paused the demolition order. However, the legal dispute remains unresolved.
On December 31, the Israeli military issued a demolition order for the playground and soccer pitch in Aida Camp. The Aida Youth Center said the decision would harm hundreds of children. It argued that the order targets community sports and civic facilities.
Video footage shared by the center showed soldiers placing the demolition notice on the camp’s gate.
Aida Refugee Camp houses more than 7,000 Palestinian refugees, according to UN figures. The camp sits next to Israel’s West Bank separation barrier. Because of its location, children have limited access to recreational areas. Community leaders built the soccer pitch to provide a safe and accessible place to play.
The youth center welcomed FIFA and UEFA’s involvement. Still, it warned that the situation remains uncertain. The group has not received formal confirmation that authorities fully suspended the order.
In a statement, the center said the intervention marks a major step forward. However, it expressed concern that the demolition order could return once international attention fades.
For now, the soccer pitch remains standing. Local families hope it will continue to offer children a space for sport, learning, and relief amid ongoing tensions.
