An emotional scene unfolded at the FIFA Congress held at the Vancouver Convention Centre in Canada, where Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub rejected a symbolic peace gesture proposed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino had planned to bring Israeli and Palestinian representatives together on stage for a handshake and photo session to promote peace, but Rajoub refused the idea.

Rajoub stated that Israeli representatives must first prove their adherence to FIFA’s principles and humanitarian values before any such gesture could take place. He remarked that while Infantino might wish to build a bridge of peace, he does not understand the suffering and wounds of the Palestinian people. When Infantino made another attempt to bring the two sides closer, Rajoub responded emotionally, saying, “We are in pain,” a statement that reportedly silenced the entire convention hall.

The incident highlighted the deep emotional and political divisions that persist even within global sporting platforms like FIFA’s congress.