political football

Meanings

1. A contentious political issue or problem that is often debated or discussed, but that remains unresolved; an issue or problem which is avoided by authorities and handed off to others.
2. Ongoing unproductive wrangling or posturing between political factions, resulting in failure to deal with an issue or problem in a decisive or appropriate way.

Etymology

An allusion to being "kicked back and forth" by opposing politicians, like a ball.