VANCOUVER, British Columbia — Jibril Rajoub, President of the Palestine Football Association, declined to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice president of Israel’s soccer governing body, during a charged moment at the FIFA Congress on Thursday.
Following their speeches to the congress, both men were invited on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They stood at a significant distance from each other, as Rajoub vocally expressed his discontent away from the microphones before exiting the stage.
Before addressing the congress, Rajoub urged FIFA to investigate the Palestine Football Association’s claims that Israel has violated anti-discrimination policies by permitting clubs from West Bank settlements.
He confirmed that the PFA is pursuing the issue through the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA decided in March not to suspend Israel concerning its West Bank clubs, citing the complex and unresolved legal status of the region.
In a different case involving an Israeli club, FIFA imposed a $190,000 fine on the Israel Football Association for “discrimination and racist abuse,” along with violations pertaining to “offensive behavior and principles of fair play.”
After the two officials left the stage at the Vancouver Convention Center, Infantino expressed gratitude for their participation and made an appeal for collaboration.
“President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s collaborate. Let’s join forces to inspire hope for the children and strive for a better future,” Infantino stated.
After the congress, Rajoub delivered a passionate statement, questioning Israel’s eligibility to remain part of FIFA.
“From my end, I continue to respect and adhere to all legal protocols through FIFA institutions, but it’s high time to acknowledge that Israel deserves to be sanctioned for its breaches of FIFA statutes and human rights violations,” he remarked.
Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, refrained from commenting on Rajoub’s remarks but expressed IFA’s willingness to collaborate with Palestinian officials.
“We are at the FIFA Congress. Our goal is to promote football and contribute to a brighter future for everyone involved,” Teper stated.
Palestinian soccer leaders have consistently voiced their concerns over the past 15 years, including at FIFA annual congresses prior to Infantino’s presidency, claiming Israel violates FIFA statutes by allowing teams from settlements in the West Bank to participate in Israel’s national league.
The disciplinary investigation into Israeli soccer was initiated 18 months ago following a second objection from the Palestinian federation.