FIFA scandal: Palestine and Israel reject Infantino's peace gesture on stage
Gianni Infantino (photo: Getty Images)
The next FIFA Congress in Vancouver will be remembered not only for football decisions but also for sharp political tension. FIFA President Gianni Infantino attempted to organize a symbolic “moment of peace” on stage between representatives of Israel and Palestine, but the initiative ended in complete failure, according to CBS Sports.
Scandal in Vancouver
The incident occurred during speeches by federation leaders. After the addresses of the President of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), Jibril Rajoub, and the Vice President of the Israeli Football Association (IFA), Bassam Sheikh Suleiman, Infantino invited both officials to join him on stage for a joint photo.
However, Rajoub demonstratively refused to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart. For several minutes, he spoke emotionally toward Infantino without a microphone, repeatedly saying: “We are suffering.”
The FIFA president’s attempt to call on the parties to work for the sake of children and give hope to the world did not succeed — both representatives left the stage.
Later, Rajoub explained his position by saying he was unwilling to shake hands with a person who represents a criminal government. Meanwhile, IFA Secretary Yariv Teper called the incident a missed opportunity to show the power of football to the world.
Pure awkwardness at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) April 30, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino tried to get Palestinian FA President Jibril Rajoub to shake hands and stand together with the Israeli FA Vice-President.
Rajoub refused and went off on a little rant until he was politely… pic.twitter.com/upQE3AEp6f
Appeal to CAS and sanctions demands
In addition to the emotional scene, the Palestinian delegation moved to legal action. The Palestinian Football Association (PFA) officially filed an appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) against FIFA’s previous decision.
Palestine’s main claims:
- Insufficient punishment: FIFA fined Israel $191,000 for violating anti-discrimination policy, but Palestine insists on full disqualification.
- Clubs in occupied territories: The PFA accuses Israel of running a championship involving clubs based in Palestinian territories, which it says violates FIFA statutes.
- Destruction of infrastructure: Rajoub emphasized the killing of athletes and destruction of sports facilities in Gaza.
FIFA confirmed that it is aware of the appeal and respects the right of any member association to approach CAS. The Israeli side stated it is ready to defend its position in court, stressing that its goal is the development of football for all children in the Middle East.
