“I know that the invitation was issued after heavy pressure on FC Barcelona so that it could get out of its dilemma,” Sarsak said. Read more about In interview, Mahmoud Sarsak confirms FC Barcelona Clasico invite, says he won't attend with Shalit 

Top European footballers, including Seville striker Frédéric Kanouté, call on Israel to free Mahmoud Sarsak as international concern mounts for the young Palestinian footballer’s life. Read more about "In the name of sporting solidarity": Top European athletes call for Israel to release Mahmoud Sarsak