An attempt by Gianni Infantino to facilitate a symbolic handshake between Israeli and Palestinian football officials ended unsuccessfully during a tense moment at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
Infantino had invited Jibril Rajoub and Israeli FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman to stand together on stage following their separate addresses. While Suliman remained in place, Rajoub declined the invitation and resisted calls to participate in the gesture.
Despite repeated efforts by Infantino to bring both officials closer for a handshake, Rajoub refused and made his position clear, leading to a visibly tense exchange on stage.
Explaining the refusal, Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi said the move was unacceptable given the ongoing situation, stressing that such a gesture would undermine the concerns raised during their address.
With both representatives standing apart, Infantino returned to the podium alone, emphasizing unity and urging collaboration within global football.
“We must work together to give hope, especially to young people around the world,” he said, reaffirming FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and cooperation among its member associations.
Although the FIFA president later embraced both officials separately as they exited the stage, the failed handshake attempt drew criticism, with some observers describing the moment as inappropriate given the circumstances.
Infantino also used the occasion to reiterate his intention to seek re-election for another term as FIFA president.
