FIFA Congress Highlights Rift as Israeli and Palestinian Officials Snub Handshake
TL;DR
At the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver on April 30, 2026, Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub and Israel Football Association Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman refused to shake hands after FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to mediate; Rajoub later reached to kiss Infantino on the cheek as Infantino spoke, underscoring ongoing political tensions affecting sports.
- Palestinian and Israeli soccer officials refuse to shake hands at FIFA Congress AP News
- Gianni Infantino’s attempt at Israel-Palestine handshake backfires The Guardian
- 'Brought to Whitewash Fascism and Genocide': Palestinian Soccer Chief Hits Out at Israeli Delegate at FIFA Congress Haaretz
- Palestine FA chief hits out at Israel federation VP at FIFA Congress Al Jazeera
- Infantino’s attempt at Israel-Palestine photo op: Was it pre-planned? What was the fallout? - The Athletic The New York Times
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