Palestinian, Israeli football officials refuse handshake at FIFA Congress
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Vancouver: A tense moment unfolded at the FIFA Congress when Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice president of Israel’s football governing body.
After addressing the congress, both officials were invited on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, they stood at a distance from each other, and Rajoub was seen protesting loudly away from the microphones before walking off the stage.
During his address, Rajoub urged FIFA to act on allegations that the Israel Football Association had breached anti-discrimination regulations by allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements to participate in domestic competitions.
He confirmed that the Palestine Football Association (PFA) would take the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, following FIFA’s March decision not to suspend Israel over its West Bank clubs. FIFA had cited the unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank in its ruling.
In a separate disciplinary case, FIFA fined the Israel Football Association $190,000 over charges linked to “discrimination and racist abuse,” as well as “offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play.”
After both officials left the stage at the Vancouver Convention Centre, Infantino thanked them and made a public appeal. “President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s work together. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. Let’s work together for that,” he said.
Following the congress, Rajoub intensified his criticism, questioning whether Israel should remain part of FIFA. “From my side, I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions, but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of violations of FIFA statutes and human rights,” he said.
Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, did not directly respond to Rajoub’s remarks but said the Israeli body remained open to cooperation.
“We are in the FIFA Congress. Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission,” he said.
Palestinian football officials have long raised concerns at FIFA congresses over the past 15 years—predating Gianni Infantino’s presidency—arguing that Israel violates statutes by allowing teams from West Bank settlements to compete in its national league.
A disciplinary investigation into Israeli football was also opened 18 months ago following a separate complaint from the Palestinian federation.
With PTI inputs