FIFA president Gianni Infantino saw his attempt to orchestrate a public handshake between representatives of Israel and Palestine backfire dramatically at the 76th FIFA Congress. The governing body supremo, who confirmed his intention to stand for a third full term next year, tried to arrange an on-stage display of unity between the Palestinian and Israeli delegates.
Palestinian FA President Refuses Handshake
President of the Palestinian Football Federation, Jibril Rajoub, refused to stand alongside Israeli FA vice-president, Basim Sheikh Suliman. Rajoub addressed onlookers, shouting: "We are suffering." The war in Gaza is approaching its third year, having escalated since it started in October 2023, with a surge in fighting in the West Bank. British Red Cross figures from March 2026 report the death toll at over 69,000, including 17,000 children and at least 170,000 casualties.
Infantino, who will run for re-election in Rabat, Morocco next year, shrugged off the embarrassment 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." Rajoub declined to follow Infantino's bidding after the FIFA chief's attempt to act as an international statesman.
Palestinian FA Vice President Speaks Out
Palestinian FA vice president Susan Shalabi told Reuters: "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering." The incident was another high-profile moment of embarrassment for FIFA in a year of controversy for the governing body and another moment to forget for Infantino. The FIFA chief, who replaced Sepp Blatter in 2016, previously defended the decision to host the World Cup in Qatar with his infamous 'Today I feel' speech.
2026 World Cup Overshadowed by Iran Controversy
The 2026 World Cup, just months away and held across North America in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, continues to be overshadowed by Donald Trump and the Iran War. The annual congress was held in Canada, but Iran was the only country not represented. Figures from the Iranian football federation were due to attend the event in Vancouver but were the only nation absent from 211. Local Iranian news agency Tasnim previously reported that the delegation was turned back at border control.
Amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, the national football team's participation in Group G at the World Cup is in doubt, with uncertainty over their involvement ahead of matches against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. Infantino reiterated his stance that Iran will play at the World Cup this summer. When asked, President Donald Trump said: "Well if Gianni said it, I'm OK. Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that's a piece of work. If they win we'll have to worry about that. I'm going to have to worry about that one. You know what, let them play. Gianni is fantastic, he's a friend of mine, he talked about it, I said, 'You do whatever you want.' You can have them, you don't have to have them, they probably have a good team. Do they have a good team, do you have any idea?"
