FIFA President Gianni Infantino encountered an awkward moment when his attempt to facilitate a public handshake between Israeli and Palestinian football representatives fell flat during a recent event.
The On-Stage Incident
As Infantino confirmed his bid for a third full term in next year’s election in Rabat, Morocco, he urged Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub and Israeli FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman to join him on stage for a symbolic gesture. Rajoub refused to stand beside Suliman, instead addressing the audience with a shout: “We are suffering.”
Gaza Conflict Escalates
The incident unfolds amid the Gaza war, now nearing its third year since October 2023. Fighting has intensified, including a surge in the West Bank. British Red Cross data from March 2026 shows over 69,000 deaths, including 17,000 children, and at least 170,000 casualties.
Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi stated: “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.”
Infantino’s Response
Infantino brushed off the rebuff, stating: “We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.”
The episode marks another challenging moment for FIFA and Infantino, who succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016 and once defended Qatar’s World Cup hosting with his notable “Today I feel” address.
2026 World Cup Shadows
With the 2026 World Cup set for this summer across Canada, Mexico, and the United States, concerns linger. The annual congress in Vancouver proceeded without Iran’s delegation—the sole absence among 211 nations. Reports indicate Iranian officials were denied entry at the border.
Iran’s spot in Group G, facing New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt, remains uncertain amid Middle East tensions. Infantino affirmed Iran’s participation, prompting U.S. President Donald Trump to comment: “Well if Gianni said it, I’m OK. Did Gianni say it? Gianni Infantino – that’s a piece of work. If they win we’ll have to worry about that. I’m going to have to worry about that one. You know what, let them play. Gianni is fantastic, he’s a friend of mine, he talked about it, I said, ‘You do whatever you want.’ You can have them, you don’t have to have them, they probably have a good team. Do they have a good team, do you have any idea?”
