Palestine Football Association Chief Criticizes Israeli Federation Vice President

FIFA Congress in Canada Ends with Tense Moment Between Palestinian and Israeli Representatives

Representatives from Palestine and Israel were seated close together at the 76th FIFA Congress in Canada on Thursday. The event took a heated turn when Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman, citing concerns over the Israeli government’s actions.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino called both men to the stand and attempted to bring them closer together with a gesture. However, Rajoub declined, stating that he could not shake hands with someone who had been brought in to “whitewash” Israel’s alleged fascism and genocide.

Suliman is a Palestinian citizen of Israel. Infantino later stated that FIFA would work together with both parties to find common ground and give hope to children. However, Palestinian Football Association Vice President Susan Shalabi expressed disappointment with the outcome, saying that Infantino’s attempt at reconciliation showed little consideration for Rajoub’s previous speech.

Rajoub had made a plea for Israeli clubs not to base teams in West Bank settlements, citing concerns over the rights of member associations being violated. The Palestinian Football Association has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFA’s decision not to sanction Israel over this issue.

In response to the appeal, FIFA stated that it would take no action against the Israel Football Association or Israeli clubs due to the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under public international law.

Source: Al Jazeera