Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub Faces US Visa Issues for World Cup

Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association (AP Photo)

The president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, remains in Mexico City awaiting approval to enter the United States as visa-related issues continue to affect several delegates attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rajoub was present for the tournament's opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday. However, despite being accredited for the World Cup, he is among a number of football officials who have either been denied entry visas or are still waiting for them to be issued by US authorities. Speaking to The Associated Press, Rajoub criticised the situation and questioned the restrictions placed on football representatives invited to the tournament. "I don’t believe that it’s fair to use or to abuse and deny the right of all footballers all over the world to attend," the veteran Palestinian political figure said. Although Palestine did not qualify for the World Cup, FIFA traditionally invites the heads of football associations from across the globe to attend the event, which the governing body promotes as a celebration of unity through sport. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously stressed the tournament's inclusive vision. "Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that," Infantino said last year. Despite those assurances, visa challenges have reportedly impacted delegates from several countries. Among those affected are a referee from Somalia and a photographer travelling with Iraq's national team. Addressing the issue earlier this week, Infantino acknowledged FIFA's efforts to help resolve visa matters but said the organisation could not override decisions made by national governments. "We need to respect that we are not the 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 Rajoub's case. However, the United States introduced additional restrictions on Palestinian passport holders last year, including measures affecting individuals who had previously worked for the Palestinian Authority. In September, a visa that would have enabled Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the United Nations General Assembly was also revoked. Rajoub has been a longstanding critic of Israeli football policies. The Palestinian Football Association has repeatedly argued that Israel breaches FIFA regulations by allowing clubs from settlements in the occupied West Bank to participate in Israel's domestic league system. The association has also urged FIFA to take disciplinary action against Israel, while highlighting restrictions faced by Palestinian players and the impact of the conflict in Gaza. According to the Palestinian Football Association, around 80 percent of sports facilities in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, while at least 565 players have been killed. Tensions were also evident last month when Rajoub declined to shake hands with the head of Israel's football federation despite a request from Infantino. Rajoub later said such a gesture would not contribute to reconciliation and would instead serve to whitewash Israel's actions. Drawing a comparison with previous tournaments, Rajoub noted that when Russia hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, invited guests did not face similar visa barriers. As the World Cup continues across North America, uncertainty remains over whether Rajoub and other affected delegates will receive clearance to enter the United States and participate fully in FIFA's flagship event.