Palestine FA chief hits out at Israel federation VP at FIFA Congress

A dramatic confrontation unfolded at the 76th FIFA Congress on Thursday when Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub declined to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman, underscoring deep-seated tensions over Israeli football clubs operating in West Bank settlements.

The incident occurred when FIFA President Gianni Infantino called both officials to the podium. Despite Infantino's physical gestures encouraging proximity between the two men, Rajoub maintained his distance from Suliman, who is a Palestinian citizen of Israel.

Palestinian FA Vice President Susan Shalabi, who witnessed the exchange, reported Rajoub's response to Reuters: "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide! We are suffering." Israel has consistently denied allegations of genocide in Gaza.

Following the tense moment, Infantino addressed the situation directly, stating: "We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters."

Shalabi expressed frustration with Infantino's attempted reconciliation, arguing it undermined the substance of Rajoub's 15-minute address about Israeli clubs in West Bank settlements. "To be put in a position where to have a handshake after everything that was said, this negates the whole purpose of the speech," she explained to Reuters.

The confrontation reflects broader legal disputes between the football associations. The Palestinian Football Association has consistently argued that Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements—territory Palestinians claim for a future state—should not participate in Israel Football Association leagues.

The controversy escalated recently when the PFA appealed FIFA's decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. FIFA declined to sanction Israel last month, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law.

This incident highlights the complex intersection of sports governance and geopolitical disputes, demonstrating how football administration continues to grapple with territorial and sovereignty issues in contested regions.