Palestinian FA chief refuses handshake with Israeli counterpartrefuses handshake with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub declined to shake hands with Israeli FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, after FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited them to do so. The refusal highlighted ongoing tensions over Israeli clubs operating in West Bank settlements, which the Palestinian FA views as violations of FIFA statutes and international law.
The Palestinian FA has long opposed Israeli clubs based in settlements, arguing they should not compete in Israeli leagues. FIFA declined last month to sanction Israel over the issue, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law. The Palestinian FA subsequently appealed the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.
Palestinian Football Association
The Palestinian FA views Israeli clubs in West Bank settlements as illegitimate and a violation of FIFA rules. Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi characterized the handshake request as showing little consideration for Palestinian concerns, stating that accepting it would mean shaking hands with someone brought to "whitewash their fascism and genocide." The Palestinian FA has appealed FIFA's decision not to sanction Israel and continues to seek international support for their position.
Israeli Football Association
The Israeli FA maintains that clubs operating in the West Bank should be permitted to compete in Israeli leagues. Israel's position is supported by FIFA's determination that the legal status of the West Bank remains unresolved under public international law, which FIFA cited as the basis for taking no action against Israeli clubs.
FIFA Leadership
FIFA President Infantino attempted to facilitate dialogue between the two delegations, inviting them to shake hands as a gesture of unity and cooperation. Infantino stated that FIFA would work with both leaders "to give hope to the children," emphasizing football's role in promoting peace and development.
- Vancouver hosted the 2026 FIFA Congress at the Vancouver Convention Centre, a hub for major international events.
- Jibril Rajoub spent 17 years in Israeli prison during the 1970s for militant activities before entering sports administration.
- The Six-Day War in 1967 led to Israel's capture of the West Bank from Jordan.
Israel-Hamas War
Israel and Hamas are in the second phase of the U.S.-backed Gaza peace plan, with the last living hostages already returned and Israel still holding a large security presence inside Gaza.[5][7][8] The main dispute now is over Hamas disarmament, the scope and pace of Israeli withdrawal, and who will govern Gaza after the fighting.
7 October
Hamas launches surprise attack on Israel, killing over 1,300 people and taking hundreds of hostages2008-2009
Israel launches major military operation in Gaza; conflict kills hundreds and displaces thousands
