Palestinian football chief says US denied him visa to attend World Cup
Summary
The head of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, said he could not get a U.S. visa to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while other football leaders have received theirs. FIFA is trying to solve visa problems but cannot force governments to issue visas, and the U.S. has applied new restrictions on some Palestinian passport holders.Key Facts
- Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association, was denied a U.S. visa for the 2026 World Cup.
- Other FIFA officials from different countries also faced visa delays or denials related to the event.
- FIFA invites heads of football associations to the World Cup as a global celebration, even if their team did not qualify.
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the organization is working on visa issues but respects government decisions.
- The U.S. tightened visa rules for Palestinians last year, including people linked to the Palestinian Authority.
- Palestinian football leaders accuse Israel of breaking rules by letting teams from West Bank settlements play in Israeli leagues.
- Rajoub refused to shake hands with Israel’s football chief, saying it would cover up serious problems.
- When Russia hosted the 2018 World Cup, it did not restrict visas for invited guests like the U.S. is now doing.
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