Palestine Football Association president Jibril Rajoub refused to take part in a photo opportunity with an Israeli football official at the end of FIFA’s Congress, creating a tense moment after both men had addressed delegates.
After Palestine’s Rajoub and Israeli official Basim Sheikh Suliman delivered their remarks, FIFA president Gianni Infantino invited them to stand beside him for a photo. Rajoub, however, declined the gesture despite repeated attempts to persuade him to join.
At one point, Rajoub could be heard saying, “We are suffering.”
The incident came amid growing tensions over the Palestinian Football Association’s dispute with FIFA regarding Israeli clubs based in West Bank settlements. The PFA has appealed to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over FIFA’s refusal to take action against Israel on the matter.
The Palestinian federation argues that clubs located in West Bank settlements should not be allowed to compete in leagues run by Israeli football authorities.
The issue has also drawn wider international attention. Last year, United Nations experts said at least eight football clubs had been identified as playing in Israeli settlements and urged FIFA to uphold its human rights responsibilities.
Speaking to reporters after the congress, Rajoub called on FIFA to enforce its rules fairly. He said the situation in Palestine had become unbearable, pointing to the destruction of sports facilities in Gaza and the killing of Palestinian athletes and staff.
Rajoub also criticized the Israeli representative for failing to acknowledge Palestinian suffering.
He said he refused to shake hands with him, asking how he could share a handshake or a photograph with someone who ignored what Palestinians were going through.
