The president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajab, is in Mexico City awaiting approval to enter the United States as visa-related issues affect several delegates to the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Rajub was present at the opening match of the tournament between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. However, despite being recognized for the World Cup, he is among a number of soccer officials who have either been denied entry visas or are still waiting for one to be issued by US authorities.Speaking to The Associated Press, Rajub criticized the situation and questioned the restrictions imposed on football representatives invited to the tournament.“I don’t believe it’s fair to exercise or abuse and deny the participation rights of all footballers around the world,” said the veteran Palestinian political figure.Although Palestine did not qualify for the World Cup, FIFA traditionally invites the heads of football associations from around the world to attend the event, which the governing body promotes as a celebration of unity through sport.FIFA president Gianni Infantino had earlier emphasized a holistic vision for the tournament.“Everyone in Canada, Mexico and the United States will be welcome. FIFA World Cup Next year we are working absolutely for it,” Infantino said last year.Despite these assurances, visa challenges have reportedly affected delegates from several countries. Among those affected were a referee from Somalia and a photographer traveling with the Iraqi national team.Addressing the issue earlier this week, Infantino acknowledged FIFA’s efforts to help resolve visa issues but said the organization cannot override the decisions of national governments.“We need to respect that we are not kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he told reporters on Wednesday.The US State Department did not immediately comment on Rajab’s case. However, the US last year introduced additional restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, including measures that affect individuals who previously worked for the Palestinian Authority. In September, the visa enabling Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the UN General Assembly was also revoked.Rajoub has long been a critic of Israeli football policies. The Palestinian Football Association has repeatedly argued that Israel violates FIFA regulations by allowing clubs from settlements in the occupied West Bank to participate in Israel’s domestic league system.The association has also called on FIFA to take disciplinary action against Israel, highlighting the sanctions faced by Palestinian players and the impact of the conflict in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Football Association, about 80 percent of sports facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, while at least 565 players have been killed.The tension was also evident last month when Rajoub refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation despite Infantino’s request. Rajoub later said that such a gesture would not contribute to reconciliation and would instead serve to whitewash Israel’s actions.Comparing with previous tournaments, Rajub noted that when Russia hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, invited guests did not face such visa hurdles.As the World Cup continues across North America, uncertainty remains over whether Rajoub and other affected delegates will be cleared to enter the United States and fully participate in FIFA’s flagship event.
