Infantino’s Diplomatic Gambit at FIFA Congress Ends in Embarrassment

At the 76th FIFA congress held in Vancouver, a carefully planned symbolic gesture by the organization’s president turned into a public relations setback — and was quickly overshadowed by a long-anticipated political announcement.

The Failed Handshake and Its Diplomatic Fallout

Gianni Infantino had summoned both the Palestinian Football Association’s president, Jibril Rajoub, and the Israeli FA’s vice-president, Basim Sheikh Suliman, to the stage during the closing stages of the FIFA congress. The intent, according to multiple attendees, was to photograph the two officials side by side — a symbolic image of reconciliation that would precede Infantino’s declaration of his re-election bid. The plan collapsed when Rajoub declined to take his place next to Suliman, creating a visibly uncomfortable moment in the hall.

Infantino has cultivated an image as a global statesman in recent years, a role underscored by his decision to establish the FIFA Peace Prize — an award he presented to Donald Trump the previous year. Yet the scene in Vancouver exposed the boundaries of his influence over deeply entrenched political conflicts. Returning to the podium after the refusal, Infantino addressed both officials directly: “We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-president Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.”

The Palestinian FA’s vice-president, Susan Shalabi, explained the refusal to Reuters in unambiguous terms: “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.” The statement left little room for the kind of diplomatic ambiguity that FIFA officials had apparently hoped to project.

Infantino’s Third-Term Bid and the Path to Rabat

Undeterred by the awkward episode, Infantino proceeded to make the announcement that had been widely anticipated across world football. “I want to confirm I will be a candidate for the election for FIFA president next year,” he declared. “I wanted you to be the first to know. Thanks for your encouragement and support.” The vote is scheduled to take place at the FIFA congress in Rabat, Morocco, where he is expected to run without any serious challenger.

Infantino first assumed the role of FIFA president in 2016, stepping in as a reform-oriented candidate following the departure of the disgraced Sepp Blatter. His path to a potential 15-year tenure was made possible by a revision to the organization’s statutes, under which only full terms are counted against the three-term ceiling. According to available information, no credible opposition candidate has emerged ahead of the Rabat election.