FIFA congress in Vancouver reflects global tensions, with Iranians absent
The 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver took place amid geopolitical tensions, highlighted by the absence of the Iranian delegation, who were denied entry to Canada. Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub declined to shake hands with an Israeli official after delivering a speech criticizing FIFA's inaction on Israeli settlements in the West Bank. FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized unity and confirmed Iran's participation in the 2026 World Cup despite diplomatic complications.
- ▪Iranian soccer officials, including federation president Mehdi Taj, were denied entry to Canada due to Taj's past affiliation with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.
- ▪Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Israel Football Association vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman after their speeches at the congress.
- ▪FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, including matches in the United States.
- ▪Rajoub criticized FIFA for not sanctioning Israel over its soccer clubs in the occupied West Bank and said he would not shake hands with someone he views as whitewashing Israeli policies.
- ▪The 76th FIFA Congress was held at the Vancouver Convention Centre and included representatives from 210 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
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Open this photo in gallery:Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub, right, gestures toward FIFA president Gianni Infantino, centre, after refusing to stand together with Israel Football Association vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman, left, during the 76th FIFA Congress, in Vancouver, on Thursday.DARRYL DYCK/The Canadian PressShareSave for laterPlease log in to bookmark this story.Log InCreate Free AccountFIFA’s annual congress unfolded Thursday against a backdrop of geopolitical tension, including a heated moment involving Palestinian and Israeli soccer officials and the conspicuous absence of the Iranian delegation.The 76th annual gathering, held this year at the Vancouver Convention Centre, convened all but one of FIFA’s 211 member associations to vote on key issues…
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