sports
май 1, 2026
Palestinian Football Official Rejects FIFA President's Pressure to Greet Israeli Representative
‘We are suffering,’ stated the Palestinian representative, while Gianni Infantino insisted on a handshake with the Israeli...
TL;DR
- Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestinian Football Federation, refused to greet Basim Sheikh Suliman, Vice President of the Israeli Football Association, at the 76th FIFA Congress.
- Rajoub cited "suffering" and accused Israel of "fascism and genocide" as reasons for his refusal.
- Rajoub also refused a photo opportunity with Suliman and protested FIFA's handling of Israeli clubs playing in Palestinian territories.
- He highlighted the destruction of Palestinian sports facilities and the killing of Palestinian athletes in Gaza.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to mediate the situation, urging cooperation for the sake of children.
- Infantino confirmed that Iran will participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite threats to withdraw following attacks by the US and Israel.