From the Liveblog of
Thursday, April 30, 2026
Palestinian soccer federation head refuses to shake hands with Israeli VP at FIFA congress
Add ToI as a Preferred Source on GoogleVANCOUVER, Canada — Palestinian soccer federation President Jibril Rajoub refuses to shake hands with Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman in a heated moment at the FIFA Congress.
Both men are called to the stand by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, but Rajoub declines to shake hands with Arab-Israeli Suliman.
Asked what Rajoub said when he refused to shake hands, Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi, who was in the room, tells Reuters: “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide! We are suffering.”
A little unclear from the back of the hall, but Palestine FA's Jibril Rajou and Israel FA VP Basim Sheikh Suliman seemed to be asked for a photo with Infantino after addressing the Congress.
Rajou was clearly frustrated and did not do it.pic.twitter.com/72RKoteTPt
— Ben Steiner (@BenSteiner00) April 30, 2026
The Times of Israel Community.