At the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, the president of the Palestinian Football Federation reiterated his call for Israel to face sanctions from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA). Jibril Rajoub declined to shake hands with Israel Football Association vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman, citing his opposition to the Israeli government’s policies.
Rajoub expressed his stance against shaking hands with representatives of what he termed a “fascist, racist government.” He questioned the suitability of the Israeli delegate as a FIFA partner, emphasizing the importance of principles.
During the congress, FIFA president Gianni Infantino attempted to facilitate a handshake between the two delegates but faced resistance from Rajoub. Infantino later downplayed the incident, emphasizing the complexity of the matter and the shared goal of working for the benefit of children worldwide.
The FIFA Congress, which precedes the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, saw tensions rise during the encounter between the Palestinian and Israeli officials. Notably, all 211 FIFA member associations were acknowledged, with Iran being marked as “absent” due to entry issues faced by its delegation.
Despite challenges, Infantino confirmed Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup and expressed confidence in the team’s involvement. The congress also highlighted the significant financial prospects of the upcoming tournament, projected to be the most lucrative sporting event in history, with an estimated revenue exceeding $11 billion US.
Victor Montagliani, a pivotal figure in international soccer, opened the congress. As the vice-president of FIFA and president of the CONCACAF region, Montagliani played a crucial role in uniting the host nations for the 2026 World Cup bid. The expanded tournament format with 48 teams and increased game schedule promises substantial commercial opportunities for FIFA.
Looking ahead, Infantino announced his intention to seek re-election as FIFA president in 2027, concluding the congress on a forward-looking note.