Tension at FIFA Congress as Palestinian Official Refuses Handshake With Israeli Representative

A tense diplomatic moment unfolded at the 76th FIFA Congress when FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to bring together representatives of the Palestinian and Israeli football associations for a symbolic photograph.

The gesture, intended to promote unity through sport, instead sparked a public confrontation on stage after Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel Football Association Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman.

The incident took place on Thursday during the congress, where both officials were invited to the podium by Infantino. While the FIFA president encouraged them to come together, Rajoub declined to move closer to Suliman, who is a Palestinian citizen of Israel.

Infantino was seen placing a hand on Rajoub’s arm and gesturing for him to step forward, but the Palestinian football chief resisted the attempt.

According to Palestinian FA Vice President Susan Shalabi, who was present at the event, Rajoub expressed strong objections during the moment, stating that he could not engage in a handshake under the current circumstances. She described his reaction as a response to what he views as broader political and humanitarian grievances affecting Palestinians.

Rajoub reportedly left the stage after voicing frustration, shouting “we are suffering” as he exited, underscoring the emotional tension surrounding the encounter.

Following the incident, Infantino addressed the congress, calling for cooperation between both football representatives and urging them to focus on unity through the sport. He emphasised the importance of dialogue, saying football should serve as a platform to bring hope, particularly to children, even in complex political situations.

However, the attempt at reconciliation was later criticised by Palestinian officials.

Shalabi told Reuters that the handshake initiative appeared to overlook the content of Rajoub’s earlier address, in which he raised concerns about Israeli football clubs operating in West Bank settlements. She argued that the symbolic gesture risked undermining the seriousness of the issues he had highlighted, including alleged violations of member association rights.

The Palestinian Football Association has long opposed the participation of Israeli clubs based in settlements within the occupied West Bank, territories Palestinians claim as part of a future independent state. The association argues that such clubs should not compete under the jurisdiction of the Israel Football Association.

Last week, the PFA escalated its position by appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) after FIFA declined to impose sanctions on Israel over the issue. FIFA has maintained that it will not take action against Israeli clubs, citing the unresolved legal and political status of the West Bank under international law.

The latest confrontation at the FIFA Congress highlights how deeply geopolitical tensions continue to spill into global sporting institutions, where efforts to promote unity are often challenged by long-standing political disputes.

While FIFA has consistently framed football as a neutral platform for peace and dialogue, the incident once again demonstrates how difficult it is to separate sport from broader conflicts on the world stage.