The president of the Palestinian football federation, Jibril Rajoub, refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman in a heated moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
Both men were called to the stand by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but Rajoub declined to be brought closer to Arab-Israeli Suliman. Infantino placed his hand on Rajoub's arm and gestured for him to come closer, but Rajoub refused.
When asked what Rajoub said, Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi, who was present, told Reuters: "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering." Israel has denied committing genocide in Gaza.
Infantino then addressed the assembly: "We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-President Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters."
Speaking after the Congress, Shalabi criticized Infantino's attempt to force a handshake, saying it showed little regard for Rajoub's speech, in which he reiterated a plea against Israeli clubs basing teams in West Bank settlements. "To be put in a position where to have a handshake after everything that was said negates the whole purpose of the speech," she said. "He spent 15 minutes explaining how rules matter and how this could set a precedent where member associations' rights are violated, and then we just sweep it under the carpet. It was absurd."
Last week, the Palestinian Football Association appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFA's decision not to sanction Israel over clubs based in West Bank settlements. The PFA has long argued that clubs in settlements—territories Palestinians seek for a future state—should not compete in leagues run by the Israel Football Association.
FIFA stated last month it would take no action against the IFA or Israeli clubs, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law. As Rajoub and Shalabi left the Vancouver Convention Centre, they were confronted by protesters demanding FIFA ban Iran from the World Cup, claiming the team represents the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
"Does that convince you that you have to support IRGC because you have a problem with Israel?" one protester asked Rajoub. "We're not supporting anyone; we just want the support of the international community," Rajoub replied.
