Palestinian and Israeli soccer officials refuse to shake hands at FIFA Congress
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub refused to shake hands with Basim Sheikh Suliman, Israel’s soccer vice president, during the FIFA Congress, highlighting ongoing tensions between the two sides.
- Rajoub accused Israel of violating FIFA’s anti-discrimination rules by allowing clubs based in West Bank settlements to compete, and confirmed the PFA is appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA declined to suspend Israel.
- FIFA fined the Israel Football Association $190,000 for disciplinary charges related to discrimination, racist abuse, and violations of fair play principles connected to an Israeli club.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino urged both parties to work together to foster hope and cooperation, while Rajoub called for Israel to be sanctioned or removed from FIFA due to human rights violations.
- The Israel Football Association expressed willingness to collaborate with Palestinian counterparts, emphasizing their mission to promote football and a better future for all regions despite the ongoing disputes.
