FIFA Invites Handshake Between Palestinian and Israeli FA Leaders at Congress; Palestinian President Declines
FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited representatives of the Palestinian and Israeli football associations to shake hands during the annual congress. Palestine’s FA President Jibril Rajoub refused the gesture and later explained his decision. The event was reported by Al Jazeera on May 1, 2026.
Substrate placeholder — needs review · Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited representatives of the Palestinian and Israeli football associations to shake hands at FIFA’s annual congress, Al Jazeera reported. Palestine’s FA President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with the Israeli FA representative during the event. Rajoub explained his refusal to shake hands with his opposite number, according to the report.
The article detailing these events was published on May 1, 2026. Gianni Infantino holds the position of FIFA President.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
4 events- 2026-05-01
Al Jazeera published article on the FIFA congress events.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - 2026-05-01 (recent)
Palestine’s FA President Jibril Rajoub explained his refusal to shake hands.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - 2026-05-01 (recent)
Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Israeli FA representative at FIFA congress.
1 sourceAl Jazeera - 2026-05-01 (recent)
FIFA President Gianni Infantino invited Palestinian and Israeli FA representatives to shake hands.
1 sourceAl Jazeera
Potential Impact
- 01
Potential strain on relations between Palestinian and Israeli football associations.
- 02
Increased media attention on FIFA's handling of geopolitical issues in sports.
- 03
Possible discussion at future FIFA events regarding political gestures.
Transparency Panel
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