Image@ Telegraph
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, faced a challenging moment during the 76th FIFA Congress yesterday night held in Vancouver, Canada, as his attempt to orchestrate a photographed handshake between Israeli and Palestinian representatives did not go as planned.
Infantino, who has announced his intention to seek a third term in next year’s election, found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons at the Vancouver Convention Center.
During the congress, delegates were invited to speak, but only representatives from Israel and Palestine took the stage.
President of the Palestine Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, was the first to address the audience, followed by Basim Sheikh Suliman, Vice-President of the Israel Football Association.
In an effort to create a photo opportunity, Infantino asked Suliman to remain on stage while inviting Rajoub back for a handshake. However, Rajoub refused, expressing his disinterest in participating in the staged moment.
Once both men exited the stage, Infantino thanked them for their contributions and urged collaboration. “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,” he stated.
After the congress concluded, Rajoub raised concerns about Israel’s membership in 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 due to its violations of FIFA statutes and human rights,” he remarked.
Palestinian Football Association Vice-President, Susan Shalabi, added her perspective: “I cannot shake hands with someone who has been brought in by the Israelis to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.”
Infantino has previously sparked controversy by awarding United States President Donald Trump the FIFA Peace Prize, with the two having developed a close relationship as the United States prepares to co-host next month’s World Cup alongside Mexico and Canada.
During the congress, it was also confirmed that Iran would participate in the tournament despite ongoing conflicts.
Infantino assured attendees of Iran’s involvement, prompting President Donald Trump to respond affirmatively, “Well, if Gianni said it, I’m OK.”
In his address, Infantino briefly touched on complaints regarding ticket prices for World Cup matches. He directed his comments towards the heads of member associations rather than fans.
“We sold 100 percent of the inventory that we put on the market, which is more or less 90 percent of the global inventory so far. And of course, we are always putting tickets on the market,” he explained.
“There are expensive tickets, yes, and there are also affordable options. What’s important is that all revenues generated from this event go back to you and finance football in all your countries,” Infantino concluded.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong