Palestinian FA’s Rajoub refuses handshake with Israel at FIFA Congress
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Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands or even stand next to Israeli Football Federation Vice President Basim Sheikh Suliman during a tense meeting 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.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino shakes hands with Israel Football Federation vice president Basim Sheikh Suliman (left), while Palestinian Football Federation president Jibril Rajoub (right) leaves the stage at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada, on April 30, 2026. (Reuters/Jennifer Gauthier)
Infantino briefly put his hand on Rajoub’s arm and motioned for him to come forward, but Rajoub did not comply.
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks at the 2026 Semaphore World Economy conference in Washington DC on April 15, 2026. (Kent Nishimura/AFP)
The Palestinian Football Federation, led by Rajoub, had long been pressing for Israel’s suspension from international football competitions.
Rajoub defended his decision, saying he adhered to official processes but believed stronger action was needed.
“I still respect and follow the legal procedure, but I think it is time to understand that sanctions must be imposed on Israel. The policy of double standards must end,” Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel.
“I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport. In my opinion, this should be respected, but when the other party represents a criminal like Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] I speak on behalf of Bibi as if Bibi is Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or take a photo with such a man?
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A fan displays the Palestinian flag during a Nations League group stage match between France and Israel on November 14, 2024. (Gonzalo Fuentes/Reuters)
“I think Gianni has the right to bridge the gaps and bring people together, but I don’t think he understands or knows the deep suffering of the Palestinian people.”
After the speech, Infantino addressed the room and called for cooperation.
“We will work together, President Rajoub and Vice President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to children. These are complex issues,” Infantino said.
Speaking just before the event, Suliman emphasized the unifying role of sports.
“There is no room for politics in football,” Suliman said. “Everyone has the right to play and compete. We teach children values such as respect, equality and love for others, and we hope that the situation will be better the next time we meet. In the spirit of these common values, we extend our hand to the Palestine Football Federation.”
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Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur players line up before their UEFA Super Cup match in Udine, Italy, on August 13, 2025. (Denes Erdos/AP)
UEFA is reportedly moving towards a goal. Vote to suspend Israel The motion was suspended in September due to the war in Gaza.
Following the President’s historic peace offer, Infantino announced on October 3 that no action would be taken against the team. Donald Trump and Netanyahu.
But even after the peace offer, Israeli sports teams faced opposition and exclusion.
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