RAMALLAH, June 6 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) welcomed on Wednesday Argentina's decision to cancel a friendly football match that was due to be held with the Israel national football team in Jerusalem on Saturday.

The PFA said in an emailed press statement that it thanks all public and sports associations and establishments in the world "who worked tirelessly and refused to be a tool in the hands of politicians and political blackmail."

The statement said that it greets the famous football star Lionel Messi and the rest of the players "who refused to be a bridge to achieve a non-sporting political goal."

Meanwhile, Saeb Erekat, Secretary General of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) executive committee said in a press statement that "the Palestinians send their gratitude to Argentina and its football team who backs the principle of international law and rejects the Israeli threats and blackmail."

On Tuesday night, Argentine Football Association (ACF) canceled its game against Israel that was scheduled on Saturday in Jerusalem as part of the preparations for the Tango team for this month's World Cup in Russia.

The Palestinians have expressed strong objection to holding the match, especially in Jerusalem, and accused Israel of using its football federation to pass the illegal policy of annexation of the city.