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Incredibly awkward moment Infantino attempts to secure Israel-Palestine handshake
Published 13:24 1 May 2026 BST
Updated 13:25 1 May 2026 BST
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The moment was captured on video.
At FIFA’s annual congress, a video has gone viral of president Gianni Infantino attempting to play peacemaker between the Israeli and Palestinian soccer federations.
Sources told The Athletic that a photo opportunity was pre-planned, though no one was willing to 'back that up after the event on record'.
The president of the Palestine Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, refused to shake hands with the president of the Israel Football Association and pose for a photo, despite all Infantino's effort.
At the annual congress, Iran were the only country not represented as Fifa met on Thursday in Canada.
Infantino, president of world football's governing body, spoke though that the country "will be participating" in this summer's World Cup, to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
He added: "Of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. The reason for that is simple, because we have to unite. We have to bring people together."
The viral clip from the congress can be viewed below:
