FIFA President Gianni Infantino's attempt to orchestrate a symbolic handshake between the Palestinian and Israeli delegates at the governing body's congress backfired, highlighting the limits of his diplomatic efforts. The incident occurred during the 76th FIFA congress in Vancouver, where Infantino called both Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, and Basim Sheikh Suliman, vice-president of the Israel Football Association, to the stage.
Rajoub refused to stand alongside Suliman, creating an awkward moment. Sources suggested Infantino had hoped to stage a photoshoot before announcing his re-election bid. Despite the palpable embarrassment, Infantino proceeded to confirm his intention to stand for a third full term next year, a move widely anticipated.
Infantino, first elected as a reform candidate in 2016 to replace Sepp Blatter, is unlikely to face opposition. FIFA's statutes were altered so that only full terms count towards the three-term limit, potentially allowing him to remain in post for 15 years. He announced his candidacy at the congress, stating, 'I want to confirm I will be a candidate for the election for FIFA president next year.'
After Rajoub's refusal, Infantino returned to the stage, urging cooperation: 'We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-president Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.' Susan Shalabi, vice-president of the Palestinian FA, later told Reuters that Rajoub declined, saying, 'I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.'
