Fifa president Gianni Infantino's attempt to orchestrate a handshake between the Palestinian and Israeli football delegates backfired at the governing body's congress in Vancouver. Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, refused to stand alongside Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice-president of the Israel FA, after both were called to the stage by Infantino.
The awkward moment occurred towards the end of the 76th Fifa congress. Several sources suggested Infantino had wanted to stage a photoshoot before announcing his candidacy for re-election. He shrugged off the embarrassment to confirm he will seek a third full term next year.
Infantino said: 'I want to confirm I will be a candidate for the election for Fifa president next year. I wanted you to be the first to know.' The election will take place at the Fifa congress in Rabat, Morocco, and he is unlikely to face any opposition.
After Rajoub declined, Infantino returned to the stage and said: 'We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-president Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.'
Susan Shalabi, vice-president of the Palestinian FA, told Reuters that Rajoub said: 'I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.'
