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Palestine FA President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Israel FA Deputy Chairman Basim Sheikh Suliman at the 76th FIFA Congress in Canada, escalating tensions in front of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Rajoub had earlier called for a ban on Israeli clubs in West Bank settlements.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has affirmed that Iran will compete in the U.S. during the 2026 World Cup despite diplomatic tensions. The assurance came after Iran's delegation was denied entry to Canada, with some members linked to the IRGC.
FIFA's 76th Congress in Vancouver, Canada, is dominated by human rights, geopolitical tensions, and Iran's delegation being denied entry. Amnesty International calls for transparency on human rights protections at the 2026 World Cup, while local fans protest the possible relocation of the Vancouver Whitecaps.
CAF has declared support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino to seek a fourth term in 2027, despite the three-term limit. Infantino's first partial term is not counted, allowing him to run again.
An Iranian football federation delegation, led by President Mehdi Taj, was denied entry at Toronto airport despite valid visas, preventing them from attending the FIFA Congress in Vancouver. Canada cited an entry ban on members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
The Palestine Football Association (PFA) has appealed FIFA's decision not to sanction Israel over clubs in occupied West Bank settlements to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS). The appeal was filed on April 20 after FIFA cited the unresolved legal status of the West Bank. Visa issues have also prevented some PFA delegates from entering Canada for the FIFA Congress.
Nearly five years after fleeing Taliban rule, the Afghan women's refugee football team has been recognized by FIFA to compete in international tournaments, opening the path to the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The decision, announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, amends regulations to allow the team, Afghan Women United, to participate. Human rights groups applaud the move as a model for combating discrimination in sports.
FIFA has approved a new rule for the 2026 World Cup that annuls single yellow cards after the group stage and after the quarter-finals, reducing player suspensions in knockout matches. This adjustment addresses the expanded tournament format and helps keep players on the field. FIFA also announced a 15% increase in financial distribution to all 48 participating teams.