Gianni Infantino’s Palestine and Israel handshake attempt sparks clash at Fifa Congress
3 sources covered this · see comparison → ⚠ Left-onlyFIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to facilitate a handshake between Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub and Israel Football Association Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman during the FIFA Congress, but Rajoub refused. The incident occurred after Rajoub delivered a speech criticizing Israeli football clubs' presence in West Bank settlements and calling for sanctions. The failed gesture sparked tension and drew criticism from Palestinian officials, who viewed it as dismissive of their political and humanitarian concerns.
- ▪Gianni Infantino invited Jibril Rajoub and Basim Sheikh Suliman to stand together at the FIFA Congress, prompting a confrontation.
- ▪Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, citing opposition to what he described as Israel's use of sports to whitewash its actions.
- ▪Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi stated the handshake attempt undermined Rajoub's speech about upholding FIFA rules and settlement-related violations.
- ▪Infantino emphasized cooperation and hope for children, urging both sides to work together despite political tensions.
- ▪Rajoub called for an end to double standards in FIFA and reiterated his stance that Israel should face sanctions over settlement-based teams.
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