Trending Now - Infantino's Failed Attempt to Unite Israel and Palestine Football Leaders

WHO:

Daily Mail Sports - Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA; Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association; Moshe Hogeg, head of the Israeli Football Association.

WHAT:

Fox News - Jibril Rajoub stated he refused to shake hands with the Israeli football official, calling for sanctions and an end to double standards.

Daily Mail Sports - Gianni Infantino attempted to facilitate a handshake between Jibril Rajoub and Moshe Hogeg on stage, which was unsuccessful as Rajoub resisted the suggestion.

Reddit Sports - Infantino's attempt at promoting unity through a handshake backfired.

WHERE:

Daily Mail Sports - The event took place on stage during a FIFA gathering.

WHY:

Daily Mail Sports - Infantino aimed to promote unity between Israeli and Palestinian football leaders through a symbolic gesture.

HOW:

Daily Mail Sports - Infantino addressed both football chiefs directly in an effort to encourage them to shake hands.

(UPDATED May 2, 2026 04:02 UTC)

Jibril Rajoub has made headlines by refusing to shake hands with an Israeli football official, a move he says is in protest against what he calls double standards. He is calling for sanctions as part of his stance on the issue. This statement was reported by Fox News at 04:02 UTC.

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(UPDATED May 1, 2026 23:19 UTC)

At a FIFA gathering, President Gianni Infantino attempted to promote unity by facilitating a handshake between Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, and Moshe Hogeg, head of the Israeli Football Association. However, the effort backfired when Rajoub resisted the suggestion, leaving the handshake unsuccessful. Infantino addressed both leaders directly on stage in hopes of encouraging this symbolic gesture of cooperation.