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Gianni Infantino criticised for actions when on stage with Israel and Palestine officials

Home> Football> Football News

Updated 09:41 1 May 2026 GMT+1Published 09:06 1 May 2026 GMT+1

Gianni Infantino criticised for actions when on stage with Israel and Palestine officials

Infantino made an address at the FIFA congress in Vancouver.

Ryan Smart

Ryan Smart

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Gianni Infantino has been criticised after what he did at the end of the latest FIFA congress in Vancouver.

The FIFA president made a key address at the congress, which had a number of important topics on the agenda including Iran's participation at the World Cup.

He began his address by confirming that Iran would play at the tournament, due to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico this summer, despite their ongoing conflict with the US and Israel.

Read more: Donald Trump takes clear stance after Gianni Infantino confirms Iran will play in World Cup

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Infantino spoke about football and talent development, as well as the newly-created FIFA Clearing House, which is 'for the payments of the youth solidarity programmes on the transfers of each player'.

He noted the 'incredible progress' of women's football and confirmed that FIFA are targeting further investment, as well reiterating the success of the revamped Men's Club World Cup and plans for the upcoming inaugural Women's Club World Cup, due to take place in 2028.

But it was his final remarks that have caused a significant stir.

Infantino act at FIFA congress criticised

Infantino asked the head representatives of the Israel and Palestine Football Associations to return to the stage, shortly after they had spoken with 'hundreds of delegates' at the meeting.

Vice president of the Israel FA, Basim Sheikh Suliman, returned to the stage, but Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub refused.

Rajoub and Infantino went on to have a passionate discussion at the side of the stage while Suliman watched on.

Infantino went on to thank both representatives, and invited them for talks for both nations to appear at an upcoming under-15 tournament.

Infantino had an animated exchange with Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub (Image: Getty)
Infantino had an animated exchange with Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub (Image: Getty)

The Athletic report that, according to 'sources with knowledge of the FIFA Congress arrangements', an intended handshake between Rajoub and Suliman had been 'pre-planned' before the evening.

FIFA officials, including secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, declined to comment publicly on the matter on the night.

Rajoub would later tell The Athletic in the mixed zone: "Could I shake hands with someone representing a fascist and racist government, and defending even the policies of this government? I don't think that he's a qualified partner to me.

"While I understand, I recognise that the Israeli Federation has the right to organise and develop sport but within their internationally recognised borders. Was he ready to say that for the Palestinians?

"I think Gianni has the right to try to bridge gaps. He has the right to try to bring people together. But I think maybe he understands, but he does not know, the deep suffering of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian sport family."

Suliman did not comment afterwards, with IFA acting general secretary Yariv Teper instead denying that the handshake was pre-planned.

However, he did state: "I think it was a missing of opportunity. Because our mission is to show the world that we can do it in a different way.

"Our vice president stood there. And the president of FIFA asking both sides to come to the floor together.

"The way I see it, it was a missing of opportunity, in order to show something else for the world.

"We are not dealing with politics. We are dealing only with football, and in order to bring a better future for football in all other regions of the world, especially in our region, in the Middle East."




Featured Image Credit: Getty

Topics: FIFA, Gianni Infantino

Ryan Smart
Ryan Smart

Live in constant hope of the top flight as a Preston North End fan. Written in the past for SPORF, GiveMeSport and more.

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