FIFA President Gianni Infantino shakes hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman (left), vice president of the Israel Football Association, as Jibril Rajoub (right), president of the Palestine Football Association, leaves the stage at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, on April 30, 2026. (Reuters/Jennifer Gauthier)
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Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub was seen refusing to shake hands or even stand next to Israeli Football Association vice president Basim Sheikh Suliman during a tense exchange at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
Both officials were invited to the stage by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, but the Palestinian representative resisted efforts to bring him closer to his Israeli counterpart.
Infantino briefly put a hand on Rajoub’s arm and gestured for him to step forward, but Rajoub did not comply.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during the Semafor World Economy 2026 conference in Washington, DC, on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
The Palestinian Football Federation, headed by Rajoub, has long pushed for Israel to be suspended from international football competitions.
Rajoub defended his decision, saying he remains committed to formal processes but believes stronger action is needed.
“I still respect and follow the legal procedure, but I think it is time to understand that Israel must be sanctioned. The policy of double standards must end,” Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel.
HS BASKETBALL COACH SUSPENDED AFTER HANGING PALESTINIAN FLAG AND REFUSING TO SHAKE HANDS WITH JEWISH COACHES
A fan displays a Palestinian flag during the Nations League group stage match between France and Israel on November 14, 2024. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)
“I think Gianni has the right to try to bridge gaps and bring people together, but I think maybe he doesn’t understand or know the deep suffering of the Palestinian people.”
He added that while Infantino’s intentions may have been to foster unity, he may not fully understand the depth of Palestinian suffering.
After the exchange, Infantino addressed the room and urged cooperation.
“We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman. Let us work together to give hope to children. These are complex issues,” Infantino said.
Speaking just before the incident, Suliman emphasized the unifying role of sport.
“There is no place for politics in football,” said Suliman. “Everyone has the right to play and compete. We are teaching children values such as respect, equality and love for others, and we hope that the next time we meet, the situation will be better. We extend a hand to the Palestinian Federation in the spirit of those shared values.”
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Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur players line up before the UEFA Super Cup soccer match in Udine, Italy, on August 13, 2025. (Denes Erdós/AP)
It was reported that UEFA was moving towards a vote to suspend Israel on the war in Gaza in September, but the motion was suspended. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that no action would be taken against the team on October 3, following a historic peace proposal from the president. donald trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
However, even after the peace proposal, Israeli sports teams have faced opposition and exclusion.
