08.05.2026 18:08
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's attempt to have Israeli and Palestinian football representatives shake hands on stage for a "peace" message turned into a crisis. Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub openly rejected the request and left the stage. Rajoub, who refused the handshake call, expressed his reaction by saying, "Can I shake hands with someone representing such a government?"
FIFA President Gianni Infantino's attempt to bring together Israeli and Palestinian football representatives on the same stage sparked debate in the international sports community. The moments at the congress made headlines.
TENSE MOMENTS ON STAGE
At the FIFA Congress held in Vancouver, Infantino invited Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub and a representative of the Israel Football Federation to the stage, intending to create a symbolic handshake. However, Rajoub clearly rejected this call.
LEFT THE STAGE
The Palestinian president was reported to have left the stage after refusing the handshake. This development caused brief tension in the hall and received wide coverage in the international press.
"THIS IS NOT POSSIBLE" MESSAGE
It was learned that Rajoub based his decision on political and humanitarian grounds. In his statement to the press, he harshly criticized the Israeli government, stating that such a scene was not possible.
INFANTINO IN THE SPOTLIGHT OF CRITICISM
FIFA President Infantino's approach of "football is a tool for peace" has been opened for debate once again. While some circles described the events as "forced diplomacy," FIFA's neutrality began to be questioned anew.