Palestine FA President Refuses Handshake with Israeli Deputy at FIFA Congress

At the 76th FIFA Congress in Canada, Palestine Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub declined to stand near or shake hands with Israel Football Association (IFA) Deputy Chairman Basim Sheikh Suliman, a Palestinian citizen of Israel.

According to Reuters, on Thursday (April 30), FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited both men onto the stage. Infantino placed his hand on Rajoub's arm and gestured for him to approach Suliman, but was unsuccessful.

PFA Vice President Susan Shalabi, who was in the room, told Reuters that Rajoub said: "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide! We are suffering." Israel denies allegations of genocide in Gaza.

Earlier, Rajoub delivered a 15-minute speech at the congress, calling for a ban on Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements. He argued this violates FIFA rules and sets a dangerous precedent. After Rajoub and Suliman stood before the hall, Infantino said: "We will work together, President Rajoub, Deputy Chairman Suliman. Let us bring hope to children together. These are complex issues."

Vice President Shalabi said Infantino's attempt to make the two shake hands showed disrespect for Rajoub's speech. She said: "Being forced into a handshake after everything said negates the entire purpose of the president's speech. It's absurd."

A week earlier, the PFA had appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against FIFA's decision not to sanction Israel over clubs based in West Bank settlements. The PFA has long argued that clubs in these settlements—territory Palestinians consider part of a future state—should not play in IFA-organized leagues. Last month, FIFA announced it would take no action against IFA or Israeli clubs, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law.