VANCOUVER, British Columbia – A moment of intended diplomacy at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, April 30, 2026, dissolved into a pointed display of political tension as Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of the Israel Football Association. The incident occurred after both officials addressed the delegates, and FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to bring them together for a photograph.
Infantino invited both Rajoub and Sheikh Suliman to pose with him, hoping to project a unified front. However, Rajoub repeatedly declined the invitation, despite Infantino’s persistence, according to reports from the congress hall. The exchange underscored the deep-seated political complexities that continue to permeate the world of international football.
The scene unfolded as Infantino, who recently announced his intention to seek a third term as FIFA president, seemingly sought to capitalize on a moment of potential goodwill. Several sources at the congress suggested the gesture was also intended to precede an announcement of his re-election bid. Infantino will face a vote at the FIFA congress in Rabat, Morocco, next year, but is currently unchallenged.
Rajoub’s refusal to engage with Sheikh Suliman is not an isolated incident. The relationship between the Palestinian and Israeli football associations has been fraught with difficulty for years, reflecting the broader political conflict between the two entities. The Palestine Football Association has repeatedly called for sanctions against Israel over restrictions on Palestinian players’ movement and the state of football infrastructure in the Palestinian territories.
Following the rejected handshake, Rajoub was observed kissing FIFA President Infantino on the cheek, a gesture that further highlighted the awkwardness of the situation. The moment was captured by photographers, including Darryl Dyck of The Canadian Press, and quickly circulated internationally.
Gianni Infantino had previously created the FIFA peace prize last year, awarding it to Donald Trump, a move that drew criticism from some quarters. This latest incident raises questions about FIFA’s ability to navigate the sensitive political landscape and promote unity within the global football community.
The FIFA Congress serves as the annual gathering of the organization’s 211 member associations. This year’s event in Vancouver addressed a range of issues, including preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which will be jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the United States. The incident involving Rajoub and Sheikh Suliman, however, overshadowed much of the other business conducted at the congress.
The refusal to shake hands is a symbolic act with significant implications. It underscores the ongoing challenges in fostering dialogue and cooperation between Palestinian and Israeli football officials, and serves as a stark reminder of the political realities that often intersect with the world of sports. The incident is likely to fuel further debate about FIFA’s role in addressing political issues and promoting peace through football.
The next major event on the FIFA calendar is the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to begin in Colombia on August 20, 2026. Attention will then turn to the preparations for the 2030 World Cup, with ongoing discussions about infrastructure development and logistical planning in the host nations.
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