Rajoub rejects handshake with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, refused to shake hands or stand beside Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice president of the Israel Football Association, during the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited both officials onstage and briefly placed a hand on Rajoub’s arm while gesturing for him to step forward next to Suliman, but Rajoub resisted and left the stage. Infantino then shook hands with Suliman.
Rajoub later defended his action, stating he respects legal procedures but believes Israel should face sanctions over a double standard in policy. "I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport. … For me, that should be respected, but if the other side is representing a criminal like Bibi [Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu] and speaking on behalf of Bibi as if Bibi is Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man?" Rajoub said, according to The Times of Israel. He added that Infantino seeks to bridge gaps but may not grasp Palestinian suffering.
Suliman, speaking just before the exchange, stressed football's apolitical nature and extended a hand to the Palestinian FA in the name of shared values like respect and equality. Infantino addressed delegates afterward, urging the pair to work together for children's hope amid complex matters. The Palestinian FA has long sought Israel's suspension from international soccer.
