Rajoub rejects handshake with Israeli official at FIFA Congress
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, refused to shake hands with or stand beside Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice president of the Israel Football Association, during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026. FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited both to the stage and gestured for Rajoub to step forward, placing a hand on his arm, but Rajoub walked away. The exchange highlighted longstanding tensions between the two football bodies.
Rajoub has led efforts by the Palestinian FA to suspend Israel from international soccer. He defended his stance, stating he respects legal procedures but believes Israel merits sanctions over what he called a double standard. "I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport. … For me, that should be respected, but if the other side is representing a criminal like Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and speaking on behalf of Bibi as if Bibi is Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man?" Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel. He added that Infantino seeks to bridge gaps but may not grasp Palestinian suffering.
Suliman, speaking before the incident, stressed football's apolitical nature. "In football, there is no place for politics. Everyone has the right to play and compete. We are teaching children values like respect, equality and love for others," he said. Infantino then urged collaboration: "We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters."
UEFA had considered suspending Israel over the Gaza war but paused the vote. Infantino announced no action against Israel on Oct. 3 following a peace proposal by U.S. President Donald Trump and Netanyahu.
