In a tense moment at the FIFA Congress, Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub and Israel’s football governing body vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman refused to shake hands in the Vancouver event.
After addressing the congress, both officials were called on stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino but the two stood far apart from each other. Rajoub left the stage after a loud protest away from microphones.
Addressing the congress, Rajoub urged FIFA to address the Palestine Football Association’s allegations that Israel has breached anti-discrimination regulation by allowing clubs based in the West Bank settlements.
He also revealed that the PFA will knock the doors of Court of Arbitration for Sport after FIFA ruling in March of not suspending Israel over its West Bank clubs.
FIFA cited unresolved and complex legal status of the West Bank as the reason for the ruling.
FIFA fines Israel Football Association on disciplinary charges
However, in a separate issue involving an Israeli club, FIFA fined the Israel Football Association USD 190,000 on disciplinary charges relating to “discrimination and racist abuse,” plus “offensive behavior and violations of the principles of fair play.”
After both officials left the stage at the Vancouver Convention Center, Infantino appreciated them for addressing the delegates and made an appeal.
“President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let’s work together. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. Let’s work together for that,” Infantino said.
Following the congress, Rajoub asked whether Israel has “the right to even be part of FIFA.” “From my side I still respect and follow all the legal procedures through FIFA institutions but I think it’s time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned because of the violations of the statutes of FIFA, the human rights,” he said.
Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, refused to directly answer Rajoub’s comments but said the IFA would be willing to work with the Palestinian counterparts.
“We are in the FIFA Congress,” Teper said. “Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission.”
(With Agency Inputs)