An attempt by Gianni Infantino to stage a symbolic handshake between Israeli and Palestinian football officials ended in controversy at the 76th FIFA Congress, highlighting ongoing political tensions within the sport.
The awkward moment unfolded when Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Basim Sheikh Suliman, despite being called to the stage by Infantino. The incident drew visible discomfort among attendees and underscored the challenges of using sport as a platform for diplomacy.
Sources at the congress suggested the gesture was intended as a symbolic display of unity, possibly ahead of Infantino’s announcement regarding his future in global football leadership. Shortly after the incident, the FIFA president confirmed he will seek re-election for a third term.
“I want to confirm I will be a candidate for the election for FIFA president next year,” Infantino stated, signaling his intention to extend his leadership beyond the current term.
The election is scheduled to take place at the next FIFA Congress in Rabat, where Infantino is widely expected to run unopposed. If successful, his tenure could extend to 15 years following changes to FIFA statutes that limit only full terms.
The refusal by Rajoub reflected deep political divisions, with Palestinian representatives expressing strong objections to engagement under current circumstances. The incident also highlighted the limits of Infantino’s efforts to position himself as a global diplomatic figure through football.
Despite the setback, Infantino urged cooperation, emphasizing the role of sport in fostering hope and dialogue, particularly for younger generations.
Courtesy: theguardian
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