Palestine’s Rajoub snubbed Israel handshake at FIFA Congress despite Infantino’s ‘forced’ peace bid

Vancouver: Tensions between the Palestinian and Israeli football governing bodies erupted on the global stage on Friday as Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub pointedly refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice president of Israel’s soccer association, during the FIFA Congress.

Following individual addresses to the assembly at the Vancouver Convention Centre, both officials were summoned to the stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. In what netizens characterised as a forced attempt by Infantino to facilitate a "handshake for peace," the two men remained distanced. Rajoub was heard shouting "we are suffering" away from the microphones before abruptly exiting the stage, leaving the FIFA president in a visibly awkward position.

Infantino later appealed to both men to find common ground. "President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let's work together. Let's work together to give hope to the children. Let's work together for that," he told the delegates.

Legal Battles and Allegations

The public friction stems from a long-standing grievance by the PFA regarding Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements. Rajoub urged FIFA to act on allegations that Israel has violated anti-discrimination statutes by allowing these teams to participate in its national league.

The PFA confirmed it is escalating the matter to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. This follows a FIFA ruling in March that declined to suspend Israel over the settlement clubs, with the governing body citing the "unresolved and complex legal status" of the West Bank.

However, FIFA did take separate disciplinary action, levying a $190,000 fine against the Israel Football Association. The charges included "discrimination and racist abuse," as well as "offensive behaviour and violations of the principles of fair play" involving an Israeli club.

Calls for Sanctions

In an emotional statement following the session, Rajoub questioned Israel’s continued eligibility within the international football community.

"From my side, I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions, but I think it's time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of the violations of the statutes of FIFA, the human rights," Rajoub said.

Palestinian officials have spent 15 years—predating Infantino’s presidency—challenging the inclusion of settlement-based teams. A second formal objection filed by the PFA 18 months ago triggered the current disciplinary investigation into Israeli soccer.

Israel’s Response

Yariv Teper, the acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, declined to address Rajoub’s specific remarks but maintained that the IFA remains open to cooperation.

"We are in the FIFA Congress," Teper said. "Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission."

With inputs from AP