VANCOUVER: A tense moment unfolded at the 76th FIFA Congress in Canada after Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to participate in a photo opportunity with an Israeli football official.
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The incident occurred at the conclusion of the congress after Rajoub and Israel Football Association Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman had both addressed delegates. FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited the two officials to join him for a symbolic photograph, but Rajoub declined despite repeated encouragement.
⚡️ 🎦 Palestinian Federation representative stops FIFA president’s ridiculous show
🔹Infantino, the FIFA president, asked Jibril Rajoub, the president of the Palestinian Federation, to shake hands with the president of the Israeli Football Federation to promote peace and unity.… pic.twitter.com/OH518hkqmw— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) April 30, 2026
Witnesses reported that Rajoub appeared visibly emotional during the exchange and was heard saying, “We are suffering,” as he stepped away from the stage moment. Speaking to journalists later, Rajoub defended his decision, saying he could not engage in a handshake or photo while Palestinians continue to face hardship.
“I refused to shake hands. How can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man?” Rajoub said, referring to the Israeli official. The Palestinian Football Association has been engaged in an ongoing dispute with FIFA regarding Israeli football clubs located in settlements in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian officials argue that these clubs should not be allowed to compete in leagues overseen by Israeli football authorities.
The matter has also been taken to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA declined to impose sanctions on Israel over the issue. Rajoub urged FIFA to enforce its regulations fairly, calling for equal application of the organisation’s statutes.
He also raised concerns over the impact of conflict on Palestinian sports, saying facilities in Gaza had been damaged and athletes and sports workers had suffered losses during the ongoing crisis.
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The tense exchange highlighted how geopolitical conflicts continue to spill into international sporting platforms, placing organisations such as FIFA under pressure to balance neutrality with calls for action on human rights concerns.