Palestine Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub said he was unable to obtain entry permission to the US to attend the World Cup and is currently waiting in Mexico City. Rajoub explained that he applied along with other federation presidents to attend the tournament, but the process has not been finalized.
Rajoub watched the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. Afterwards, he joined the group of people accredited for the World Cup who either did not receive a US visa or whose visas have not yet been issued.
Visa Tensions and FIFA Invitations
Rajoub stated that football brings people together worldwide, yet it is unfair to block athletes and football representatives from this right. In his statement, he emphasized that football officials worldwide should be able to participate in the tournament.
The Palestine national team did not qualify for the tournament. However, FIFA invites football federation presidents from around the world to the event held every four years, presenting it as a celebration of global unity.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last year that Canada, Mexico, and the US would host everyone for the upcoming World Cup and that they were working on it. However, Infantino noted this week that they are trying to resolve visa issues but cannot override decisions made by the US government.
The US State Department reportedly did not immediately comment on Rajoub's visa status. Last year, new restrictions were implemented for holders of Palestinian passports, including regulations affecting those who have worked in the Palestinian Authority.
In September last year, the US administration also revoked the visa that allowed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the United Nations General Assembly. This move further highlighted the visa tensions between Palestinian officials and the US.
Palestinian Officials' Objections Regarding Gaza and Israel
Rajoub and other Palestinian football officials have long argued that allowing teams from settlements in the occupied West Bank to play in Israel’s national league violates regulations. Officials have called on FIFA to impose sanctions on Israel, drawing attention to the movement restrictions on Palestinian players and the severe damage the war in Gaza has caused to sports infrastructure.
According to the federation, 80% of sports facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and at least 565 athletes have lost their lives. Last month, Rajoub refused to shake hands with the Israeli Football Federation President, encouraged by FIFA’s President, stating that such gestures would not heal wounds and would serve to justify Israel’s actions.
Rajoub also recalled that when Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, similar visa restrictions were not applied to invited guests. Thus, the visa crisis has once again brought diplomatic tensions surrounding the tournament to the forefront.
