Palestinian Football Association chief criticizes Israeli counterpart at FIFA Congress

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 provide hope for children. However, Palestinian FA Vice President Susan Shalabi expressed disappointment with the attempt to have Suliman and Rajoub shake hands, saying it showed little consideration for Rajoub’s concerns about Israeli clubs competing in leagues run by the Israel Football Association.

The Palestinian Football Association had previously appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport against FIFA’s decision not to sanction Israel over its clubs based in West Bank settlements. The PFA argues that these clubs should not compete due to the disputed territory’s status under public international law. In a statement, Shalabi said that Infantino’s gesture was “absurd” and negated the purpose of Rajoub’s speech on the matter.

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions between Palestine and Israel in the context of sports governance.

Source: Al Jazeera