It was without a doubt the most tense moment, in fact the only one because the 76th FIFA Congress It was a military parade for Gianni Infantino. Already in the final part, the president of the FIFA He called the president of the Palestinian Football Federation to the platform, Jibril Rajoubwho in his speech denounced the violation of the human rights of the people of Israel but above all asked FIFA to protect them so they could play in their country and have soccer fields. Immediately afterwards, the vice president of the Federation of Israel took the floor, Basim Sheikh Suliman.
Jibril Rajoub explains why he did not shake hands with the vice president of Israel
Bring the speech, Infantino asked that both of them go up to the stands with the idea of staging the union at least in football with a handshake. Both approached Infantino, but that greeting did not occur.
The president of the Federation of Palestine was not seen as very interested in the work. He spoke, although he could not be heard since he was not at the lectern, while the other two mainly listened. It seemed that Infantino attempted a handshake, but without success.
It was then the president of FIFA who, before everyone left the stage on their own to return to their seats, said a few words to those present. “Thank you to the two representatives of Israel and Palestine, who have the same rights, the same duties and obligations as members of FIFA. “We will work together, let’s do it to give hope to children,” he said.
Rajoub, very tough after the congress
The president of the Palestinian Federation later explained to MARCA in the mixed zone the reasons why he did not want to shake hands with the leader of Israel. “There is no problem with Gianni. He has the right to defend his position as FIFA president, which includes trying to unite people. But, as I understand it, I do not think that the Israeli representative is an appropriate interlocutor to shake my hand or pose in a joint photo,” he commented.
“In his speech before Congress he ignored what is happening by his federation against the Palestinians, including the official organization in the occupied territories. So, I respect and appreciate Infantino’s good intentions in trying to do that, but at the same time, someone who is trying to cover up for this new Israeli Nazi government, I don’t think I can shake his hand or take a photo with him. What if I promised Infantino that I would do it? (1:32) Shake his hand before? At all”.