Palestine Chief Rejects Infantino's Peace Handshake With Israel Delegate at FIFA Congress

An attempted show of unity by FIFA President Gianni Infantino turned tense during the 76th FIFA Congress after Palestinian Football Association chief Jibril Rajoub declined to shake hands with an Israeli football representative on stage. The incident unfolded during a public appearance in which Infantino sought to bring delegates from both sides together in what appeared to be a symbolic peace gesture.

According to reports from the event, Rajoub walked away after refusing to shake hands with Israeli delegate Sheikh Suliman, creating an awkward moment before delegates and officials. Infantino had invited both representatives onto the stage and reportedly intended to hold a joint photo opportunity before making a major announcement regarding his leadership future.

Despite the failed gesture, Infantino proceeded to confirm that he intends to seek another term as FIFA president. Addressing delegates, he said he would be a candidate in next year’s election, signalling his bid for a third full term in charge of world football’s governing body. His statement came moments after the diplomatic effort on stage had visibly broken down.

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Following the exchange, Infantino returned to the podium and called for cooperation between the parties. He said football should be used to give hope to children and emphasised that the issues involved were complex. FIFA has frequently promoted football as a tool for unity, peace, and dialogue in conflict-affected regions, though such symbolic gestures have often met political resistance.

Palestinian Football Association vice-president Susan Shalabi later described Rajoub’s stance, saying he could not participate in a gesture that he believed would normalise or distract from the suffering of Palestinians. The comments reflected the broader tensions that continue to spill into international sporting forums amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

The congress also included discussion around the upcoming FIFA World Cup, with Infantino confirming Iran’s participation despite geopolitical tensions involving tournament co-hosts. Reports also indicated that Iranian federation representatives faced travel difficulties entering Canada this week. The developments underscored how international football events continue to intersect with global politics, diplomacy, and unresolved conflicts far beyond the pitch.

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