FIFA President Gianni Infantino failed in an effort to get the football chiefs of Israel and Palestine to shake hands on stage during a tense moment at the governing body's Congress in Vancouver. Infantino had invited the leadership of both federations to speak at the Congress amid the ongoing conflict, with each addressing delegates for several minutes.
Attempted Handshake Rejected
After Israel FA Vice President Basim Sheikh Sulima had spoken second, Infantino requested he remain on the stage. The FIFA president then requested Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub to return. Rajoub was seen pausing as he returned, with the official then seen in an animated discussion with Infantino while gesturing in the direction of Sulima. Delegates continued to watch as Rajoub resisted Infantino's suggestion for a handshake, leading to the FIFA president addressing the two men.
'Let me thank the two representatives from Israel and Palestine, who have the same rights, the same duties and are members of FIFA,' Infantino said, as the two men stood apart, either side of the FIFA president's platform. 'President Rajoub, vice president Suliman, let's work together. Let's work together to give hope to the children. Let's work together for that, we have a beautiful under-15 tournament coming up where we will invite all 211 countries to participate, all the children of the world. Let's do it together, you have my commitment, you have the support of the whole room.'
Infantino appeared again to attempt to orchestrate a handshake, but Rajoub could be heard shouting to the members 'please, please, please, we are suffering'. Rajoub then embraced Infantino, kissing him on the cheek, before walking off the stage. Sulima followed in embracing Infantino, before the FIFA president returned to his seat.
Aftermath and Accusations
'These are very complicated matters, but we never give up on any challenge and we continue on this as well because all children from Palestine and Israel deserve the same hope in the future,' said Infantino, who also committed to visiting both when conditions allow. Rajoub had used his address to congress to allege that Israel had breached anti-discrimination regulations by allowing clubs to be based in West Bank settlements. The PFA chief confirmed they have appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport, after FIFA ruled last month not to suspend Israel over West Bank clubs. FIFA has cited the unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank.
Suliman, who is Arab-Israeli, did not address Rajoub's allegations in his response but claimed the Israel FA has supported the existence of the Palestinian FA 'since day one'. He added that the organisation 'extend a hand to the Palestinian FA', a statement preceding Infantino's attempted handshake. Rajoub later confirmed he had refused to shake hands with Suliman, while telling reporters that Infantino was 'right to try to build bridges', but suggested the FIFA president does not know the 'deep suffering' of Palestinian people.
