At the FIFA Congress, Gianni Infantino attempted to stage a symbolic handshake between Israeli and Palestinian football officials, but the gesture failed when the Palestinian FA president refused to participate.
The moment created visible tension, highlighting the deep political divisions between the two sides and the limits of using sport as a diplomatic bridge.
Despite the awkward incident, Infantino went on to confirm his intention to run for re-election, while calls for action over disputes involving Israeli clubs in Palestinian territories remain unresolved.
“I want to confirm I will be a candidate for the election for FIFA president next year,” Infantino said. “I wanted you to be the first to know. Thanks for your encouragement and support.”
Infantino has increasingly sought to position himself as an international statesman in recent years, using FIFA platforms to engage in high-profile diplomatic moments involving conflict-affected regions. However, the exchange between Rajoub and Suliman underscored the limits of that approach.
After Rajoub declined the gesture, Infantino returned to the stage and said, “We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-president Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.”
Asked what Rajoub said when he refused, the Palestinian FA’s Vice-President, Susan Shalabi, told Reuters, “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.”
