JERUSALEM: Israeli authorities have detained two Palestinian women footballers, including current national team player Rind Al-Halawani and former international Natalie Abu Diab, according to Palestinian officials and the Palestinian Football Association (PFA).

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Former national player also detained PFA calls for FIFA action

The arrests have drawn concern from Palestinian sports authorities, who say the detentions affect athletes already facing restrictions on travel, training and participation in international competitions. The Palestinian Football Association has called on FIFA to intervene and help safeguard the rights of Palestinian players.

According to Palestinian officials, 20-year-old Rind Al-Halawani was summoned for questioning in Jerusalem on Tuesday and was subsequently taken into custody. Palestinian authorities said an Israeli court later extended her detention.

The reasons for Al-Halawani’s detention have not been publicly disclosed by Israeli authorities.

Former national player also detained

Palestinian officials said former national team footballer Natalie Abu Diab was arrested during a raid by Israeli forces on her home in the occupied West Bank.

No further details regarding the allegations or circumstances surrounding her detention were immediately available.

PFA calls for FIFA action

The Palestinian Football Association condemned the arrests, describing them as part of a broader pattern affecting Palestinian athletes. The organization said it is closely monitoring the cases and has urged FIFA to take notice of the situation.

Palestinian officials noted that the arrests come amid ongoing concerns about restrictions faced by Palestinian athletes, including limitations on movement and participation in sporting events.

Israeli authorities had not publicly commented on the arrests at the time of publication.