A high-profile attempt by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to broker a symbolic handshake between Palestinian and Israeli football officials ended in rejection and tension on Thursday during the 76th FIFA Congress.
Infantino invited Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub and Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice-president of the Israel Football Association, to the stage after both had addressed delegates. The FIFA chief urged the pair to shake hands in a gesture intended to promote peace and unity through the world of football.
Rajoub firmly declined, standing apart from Suliman and protesting before leaving the stage. The awkward exchange unfolded publicly at the Vancouver Convention Centre, with Infantino attempting to bring the two men closer as Rajoub resisted. Suliman remained on stage during the moment.
Following the congress session, Rajoub was quoted responding sharply to questions about the refused handshake. Reports indicate he questioned whether he could shake hands with someone representing what he described as a “fascist and racist government,” while emphasizing Palestinian suffering. A vice-president of the Palestinian FA, Susan Shalabi, told media that Rajoub could not shake the hand of someone brought “to whitewash their fascism and genocide.”
Infantino later reiterated his commitment to dialogue, stating the organizations would continue working together despite the visible rift.
