Abdulrahman Abunahel was pleased that the protests to prevent Jerusalem staging group games, with 75 Palestinian teams writing a message to Uefa president Michel Platini saying that “holding the Uefa 2020 games in Jerusalem would be tantamount to “rewarding” Israel for its massacre of more than 2,100 Palestinians, including over 500 children, during its recent 52-day assault on Gaza.”

While it is believed the bid was rejected for “technical shortcomings” the decision was met with praise from Abunahel.

He said: “Given that awarding Israel the right to host the games would have been a sign of support for Israel’s massacre in Gaza and its war on Palestinian football, Uefa has made the only sensible decision.

“We thank all those who joined us in opposing Israel’s bid to host games in Jerusalem, a city from which Israel is ethnically cleansing Palestinians. Our online campaigning and the occupations of football association buildings in France and Italy undoubtedly played a role in persuading Uefa to to make the right choice.”

“Israel has launched a war on football in Palestine: footballers have been killed, stadiums bombed and players have been refused permission to travel to matches. Uefa must suspend the membership the Israeli Football Association if it fails to do more to oppose Israel’s attack on Palestinian sport.”

England won the right to host the final and semi-finals of Euro 2020.

London’s Wembley Stadium will stage the climax of the European Championship, the first time a major football tournament has been held in England since Euro 96.

Scotland and Ireland will host matches, but there was bitter disappointment for Wales who missed out in their bid for games at Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium.