Palestinian soccer boss refuses to shake hands with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress
Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Israel Football Association vice president Basim Sheikh Suliman during the 2026 FIFA Congress in Vancouver. The incident occurred after FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to bring both officials together on stage. Rajoub cited Israel's actions in Gaza and what he described as a double standard in international responses as reasons for his refusal.
- ▪Jibril Rajoub is the president of the Palestinian Football Association and has long advocated for Israel's suspension from international soccer.
- ▪The encounter took place at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026, during a ceremony led by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- ▪Rajoub stated he refused to shake hands because he views the Israeli official as representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whom he referred to as a 'criminal.'
- ▪Infantino attempted to encourage dialogue by gesturing for Rajoub to step forward, but Rajoub did not comply.
- ▪Rajoub emphasized that while he respects formal procedures, he believes Israel should face sanctions in international sports due to its conduct in Gaza.
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Soccer Palestinian soccer boss refuses to shake hands with Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress Rajoub has long pushed for Israel to be suspended from international soccer competitions over the war in Gaza By Jackson Thompson Fox News Published May 1, 2026 9:27pm EDT Facebook Twitter Threads Flipboard Comments Print Email Add Fox News on Google FIFA President Gianni Infantino shakes hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman (left), vice president of the Israeli Football Association, as Jibril Rajoub (right), president of the Palestine Football Association, leaves the stage at the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Canada on April 30, 2026.
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