At the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, the president of the Palestinian Football Federation reiterated his call for Israel to face sanctions from the Fédération Internationale de Football Association. Jibril Rajoub, expressing his strong stance, declined to shake hands with Israel Football Association vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman during the event, citing objections to the Israeli government’s policies.
Rajoub openly criticized the Israeli representative, labeling the government as fascist and racist, and highlighting his refusal to engage with individuals supporting such ideologies. This incident unfolded in front of numerous international soccer delegates, including FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who attempted to mediate the situation.
Infantino, acknowledging the complexity of the matter, emphasized unity for the betterment of global children. The FIFA Congress, a gathering of 211 member associations, serves as a precursor to the upcoming 2026 men’s World Cup hosted jointly by Canada, the United States, and Mexico.
The tension between the Palestinian and Israeli delegates marked a notable moment amid an otherwise harmonious meeting. The roll call of FIFA members identified Iran as absent, stemming from the rejection of Iranian Football Federation president Mehdi Taj and his delegation due to security concerns.
Despite geopolitical tensions, Infantino assured Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, affirming the country’s involvement in group stage matches to be held in the United States. The congress also featured Victor Montagliani, a prominent figure in international soccer, who played a pivotal role in securing the joint hosting of the 2026 World Cup.
Montagliani’s efforts expanded the tournament’s reach, allowing for more teams and games, thereby enhancing commercial opportunities. The financial outlook presented at the congress projected a lucrative future for FIFA’s upcoming cycles, with the 2026 World Cup anticipated to be a record-breaking event in terms of revenue generation.
Infantino concluded the congress by expressing his intention to seek re-election as FIFA president in 2027, setting the stage for continued leadership in the global soccer organization.
