Like a clearance by a central defender, the delay in FIFA's decision has worked in favor of Israeli interests. This disarray has opened the door for the Israeli men's team to compete in the Olympics, contrary to Palestinian wishes.

Essentially, FIFA was scheduled to make a decision on Saturday at the extraordinary council meeting. This followed the request for an independent legal evaluation of the Palestinian proposal. Ultimately, this decision would have been revealed just days before the start of the Olympic football tournament. However, this was not the case.

According to the organisation, the initial process was delayed because "more time is needed to conclude the process with due care and integrity". This means that the decision about Israel's future in the international arena will be made once the Paris Olympics are over, no later than 31 August.

Consequently, Israel can enjoy international tournaments for now. The blue and white team has been placed in Group D alongside Japan, Paraguay, and Mali, with their debut match against Mali on 24 July.

On the other hand, the Israel Football Association (IFA) confirmed the worst news for Guy Luzon's squad ahead of the tournaments. Daniel Peretz, the national team's goalkeeper, will miss the Games after suffering a thigh tendon injury.

The 24-year-old goalkeeper will be out for several weeks and has already returned to his team, Bayern Munich, to proceed with recovery. "It's not easy to be so close to fulfilling your dream and then learn that you won't be able to experience it, at least not this time," Peretz lamented in an IFA press release. He will now experience the competition as "the biggest fan," as he admitted.

The young player, who was developed at Maccabi Tel Aviv before making his leap to the European elite, was one of the three over-23 players in the Olympic team. The other two, Sean Goldberg and Omri Gandelman, will have the task of leading the Israelis in their heroic fight for a medal.

Luzon, the team's coach, revealed his sadness that one of his main assets would miss the Paris commitment, "Daniel is our captain and the heart of this team, an excellent athlete and goalkeeper, and above all, a great person," he said.

The former Charlton Athletic and Standard Liege coach encouraged the rest of the team to "improve and keep progressing." He also expressed the "great confidence" he has in the team and, "without a doubt, in the goalkeepers."