FIFA's Gianni Infantino Tries and Fails to Get Israel and Palestine Football Chiefs to Shake Hands

FIFA president Gianni Infantino failed in an effort to get the football chiefs of Israel and Palestine to shake hands on stage in a tense moment at the governing body's Congress in Vancouver.

Infantino had invited the leadership of both federations to speak amid the ongoing conflict, with each addressing delegates for several minutes.

After Israel FA vice president Basim Sheikh Suliman had spoken second, Infantino requested that he remain on the stage.

The FIFA president then asked Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub to return.

Rajoub paused as he got back on stage, with the official then seen in an animated discussion with Infantino while gesturing in the direction of Suliman.

Delegates continued to watch on as Rajoub resisted Infantino's suggestion for a handshake, leading to the FIFA president addressing the two men.

'Let me thank the two representatives from Israel and Palestine, who have the same rights, the same duties, and are members of FIFA,' Infantino said, as the two men continued to stand apart, on either side of the FIFA president's platform.

'President Rajoub, Vice President Suliman, let's work together.

'Let's work together to give hope to the children. Let's work together for that. We have a beautiful under-15 tournament coming up, where we will invite all 211 countries to participate, all the children of the world.

'Let's do it together, you have my commitment, you have the support of the whole room.'

Infantino appeared again to attempt to orchestrate a handshake, but Rajoub could be heard shouting to the members Please, please, please, we are suffering'.

Rajoub then embraced Infantino, kissing him on the cheek, before walking off the stage.

Suliman followed in embracing Infantino, before the FIFA president returned to his seat.

'These are very complicated matters, but we never give up on any challenge, and we continue on this as well because all children from Palestine and Israel deserve the same hope in the future,' said Infantino, who also committed to visiting both when the conditions allow.