Infantino’s Israel–Palestine Handshake Initiative Faces Backlash
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced his intention to run for re-election, while a diplomatic handshake that fell short has generated controversy during the congress session.
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, has announced his intention to run for re-election for a third full term next year. He made this declaration during the closing moments of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, following a diplomatic incident involving officials from Palestinian and Israeli football associations.
Tension arose when Infantino sought to orchestrate what sources within the congress referred to as a symbolic handshake between Jibril Rajoub, the president of the Palestinian Football Federation, and Basim Sheikh Suliman, the vice-president of the Israel Football Association.
Both men were summoned to the stage, yet Rajoub declined to stand next to the Israeli delegate, resulting in a noticeably awkward atmosphere in the hall. Delegates noted that the FIFA president seemed to be pursuing a photo opportunity that could highlight his wider role as a global mediator in both sport and politics.
The initiative, however, swiftly fell apart, as Rajoub chose not to take part in the gesture.
After the attempt fell through, Infantino took to the podium once more to directly address the situation, urging for ongoing collaboration despite the diplomatic tensions.
He stated:
“I would like to confirm my candidacy for the upcoming FIFA presidential election next year. I wanted you to be the first to hear this news. I appreciate your encouragement and support.
Regarding the unsuccessful handshake initiative, Infantino remarked:
“We will collaborate closely, President Rajoub and Vice President Suliman.” Let us collaborate to inspire hope in the children affected by the ongoing conflicts and challenges they face in their communities. These issues are intricate.
The FIFA president, aiming to establish himself as an international statesman, has recently initiated efforts to align the organization with wider global diplomacy. This includes the establishment of a FIFA peace prize, which he has previously awarded to Donald Trump.
The incident at the congress highlighted the constraints of symbolic gestures in the face of deep-rooted geopolitical tensions.
In response to Rajoub’s decision not to participate in the handshake, Palestinian Football Federation Vice-President Susan Shalabi stated:
“I cannot extend my hand to someone whom the Israelis have brought in to obscure their fascism and genocide,” said Susan Shalabi, Vice-President of the Palestinian Football Federation. We are enduring hardship.
Infantino is anticipated to formalize his re-election bid at the upcoming FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, next year. He was first elected in 2016 on a reform platform after the departure of disgraced former president Sepp Blatter, and he is anticipated to secure another term without opposition due to amendments in FIFA statutes that permit only full terms to be considered towards the three-term limit.
