A data series by Bridges Investigations examining the money, infrastructure, institutions, and geography behind Israeli football clubs operating in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.
In part one of the series, Bridges Investigations traced millions of shekels in approved sports-development support and documented infrastructure projects across Israeli settlements. This interactive graphic lets readers follow the financial trail—and see where the evidence stops.
At least NIS 6.15 million in government sports-development support appears across 15 approvals identified in the records examined by Bridges Investigations.
A separate infrastructure database compiled for the investigation documents 20 sports projects or interventions between 2023 and 30 July 2026, including new facilities, renovations and projects at different stages of planning, tendering and construction.
The funding is dispersed across local and regional authorities rather than appearing as a single settlement sports programme.
Among the largest individual approvals identified were NIS 700,000 for a mini-pitch in Tekoa, through the Gush Etzion Regional Council, and another NIS 700,000 for a new mini-pitch in Shavei Shomron.
The Mateh Binyamin Regional Council received approval for NIS 600,000 for community sports facilities, while the Har Hebron Regional Council received approval for NIS 562,500 for a mini-pitch project.
Other records identify support for Ma’ale Adumim, Giv’at Ze’ev, Ariel, Karnei Shomron, Kiryat Arba, Beit El, Kedumim, Ma’ale Efraim, Elkana, and the Jordan Valley Regional Council.
Local authority records, tenders, and project announcements show sports infrastructure developing on the ground.
In Ariel, for example, the investigation documented a new artificial-turf football pitch on Efrata Road, with a reported value of approximately NIS 3.25 million.
In July 2026, work also began on the much larger Ariel Sportek, a NIS 15 million multi-sport development planned to include facilities for football, basketball, tennis, pickleball, padel, beach volleyball and climbing.
The investigation also documented projects or interventions in locations including Bruchin, Karnei Shomron, Ma’ale Adumim, Giv’at Ze’ev and Pisgat Ze’ev.
The investigation also examined other potential routes through Israel’s sports-financing system, including Mifal HaPais, the national lottery, and Toto, the sports betting system.
It also examined the relationship between domestic football financing and the Israel Football Association, which is affiliated with FIFA and UEFA.
