A dramatic scene unfolded at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver when President Gianni Infantino's attempt to broker a symbolic handshake between Israeli and Palestinian football officials backfired, creating an awkward and tense moment that underscored the deep divisions in the region.
Infantino, who opened the congress by declaring that football has the power to "unite the world," called Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Federation, and Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice president of the Israel Football Association, to the stage. The goal was a simple photo opportunity and handshake in front of delegates—a gesture of unity that quickly unraveled.
When Infantino tried to bring the two closer together, Rajoub refused to stand beside Suliman. Even as Infantino placed a hand on his shoulder and urged cooperation, Rajoub held his ground. Suliman remained motionless as well. In a moment charged with emotion, Rajoub shouted to the crowd, "We are suffering!" Infantino then approached Rajoub, speaking quietly into his ear to defuse the situation. The two eventually shook hands, and Infantino also embraced Suliman before they all left the stage to applause.
The incident came after both officials delivered separate speeches to the congress. Rajoub used his time to criticize FIFA's decision not to sanction Israel over football clubs located in West Bank settlements—a dispute that has now been appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Speaking to reporters afterward, Rajoub didn't hold back: "The guy who spoke on behalf of Israel, he did not even pay attention to the suffering, to what's going on. He is trying to whitewash the ugly face of this Israeli government. Genocide, ethnic cleansing."
"Could I shake hands with someone representing a fascist and racist government, defending even the policies of this government?" Rajoub continued. "I don't think that I have to shake hands. I don't think that he's a qualified partner to me. While I recognize that the Israeli Federation has the right to organize and develop sport, it must be within their own borders."
The moment serves as a stark reminder that even football—often called the world's game—cannot always bridge the deepest political divides. For fans and athletes alike, it's a powerful illustration of how sport and politics remain inextricably linked on the global stage.