What better theatrics for confirming your intentions to seek another term as the FIFA president than getting to play peacemaker between Israel and Palestine? Gianni Infantino tried and failed spectacularly.
In an awkward moment towards the end of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, Infantino made an effort to make Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub and Israel FA vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman share a light moment. However, the former refused even to stand alongside the other and made his displeasure known.
According to available information, Infantino hoped to have an epic photoshoot alongside the Israeli and Palestinian representatives on the stage. This, he thought, would be the ideal display of his statesmanship after having officially announced his decision to seek re-election.
However, things did not go as planned, as Rajoub left the stage in protest—refusing to share the stage with the Israeli representative. Rajoub refused to cooperate, as Palestinian FA vice-president Susan Shalabi told Reuters: “I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering.”
Infantino reportedly returned to the stage and said: “We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-President Suliman. Let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters.”
However, the two-time FIFA boss did not hesitate to make his intentions clear before the crowd. “I want to confirm I will be a candidate for the election for FIFA president next year,” Infantino said. “I wanted you to be the first to know. Thanks for your encouragement and support,” he added.
The election will reportedly take place at the FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco.