After addressing the congress, both men were called to the stage by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. They positioned themselves at a considerable distance from each other, with Rajoub voicing his objections away from the microphones before exiting the stage.
Before the congress commenced, Rajoub urged FIFA to investigate the Palestine Football Association’s claims that Israel has violated anti-discrimination rules by permitting clubs in the West Bank settlements to participate.
He announced that the PFA intends to escalate the issue to the Court of Arbitration for Sport following FIFA’s March decision not to suspend Israel regarding its West Bank clubs, citing the complicated and unresolved legal situation of the region.
In a different case concerning an Israeli club, FIFA imposed a $190,000 fine on the Israel Football Association for disciplinary issues related to “discrimination and racist abuse,” along with “offensive behavior and breaches of the principles of fair play.”
After the two men departed the stage at the Vancouver Convention Center, Infantino expressed gratitude for their participation and extended an invitation to collaborate.
“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 stated.
Post-congress, Rajoub delivered a passionate statement, questioning whether Israel has “the right to even be part of FIFA.”
“I continue to respect and adhere to all the legal processes through FIFA institutions, but I believe it’s time to acknowledge that Israel should face sanctions for violating FIFA statutes and human rights,” he remarked.
Yariv Teper, acting general secretary of the Israel Football Association, refrained from commenting on Rajoub’s specific remarks but expressed the IFA’s willingness to collaborate with Palestinian counterparts.
“We are in the FIFA Congress,” Teper noted. “Our mission is to promote football and a better future for all regions, and this is our mission.”
Palestinian soccer officials have consistently contended — including at FIFA’s annual congresses over the past 15 years, predating Infantino’s presidency — that Israel breaches statutes by allowing teams from settlements in the West Bank to compete in Israel’s national league.
The disciplinary probe into Israeli soccer was also initiated 18 months ago following a subsequent objection from the Palestinian federation.
