Credit: Photo News
Gianni Infantino, President of the International Federation of Football, tried to make history at FIFA. One man stopped him.
During the FIFA Congress, Gianni Infantino asked Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Federation, to shake hands with his Israeli counterpart. Both were standing. The moment was there.
A peace treaty wasn't being asked for. A political agreement wasn't being asked for. Just a gesture of tolerance in the only arena where the world usually leaves conflicts aside: sport.
Rajoub refused. He launched an accusation—not an argument—and left the room.
Football has united nations at war. It has built bridges where diplomacy has failed. But today it was proven that, for the Palestinian leadership, not even a field is enough to pause the hatred.
The hand was extended. He chose to turn his back on the world.
Infantino's behavior is incomprehensible; he embraced the one who refused to greet the Israeli.
