Article by Viory
Visa Dispute Escalates
Palestinian Football Association (PFA) President Jibril Rajoub criticised the United States and Canada after he and members of the Palestinian football delegation were reportedly denied visas to attend FIFA events and World Cup matches in North America.
Rajoub said during an interview in Mexico City on Friday that he had applied to attend several matches and next week’s FIFA summit in Miami, but had yet to receive approval, adding that other federation officials, referees, athletes and employees had also been refused visas.
“This is not good for the sport. This is also not good for the hosting countries,” he asserted, noting that Canada likewise denied his application, calling it ‘a violation of their commitment’ to ensure “they will facilitate and they will not deny a visa to any relevant person, to the sport or to the family of football.”
Asked whether the refusals were linked to his position, Rajoub declined to speculate and instead argued that the spirit of the World Cup should guarantee access for everyone connected to the game.
Rajoub Criticises Hosts
The PFA president also revealed that he remains in contact with FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino, stressing that responsibility lies with the host governments.
“He is trying and he will keep his efforts to try to overcome this challenge,” Rajoub declared, persisting, “He is not responsible and he should not be blamed. Those who should be blamed – the relevant governments of the countries hosting,” Rajoub underscored.
He argued that the refusals are ‘100 percent’ contrary to “the rules, the spirit, the commitment, the aspirations” of international sport and maintained that host nations have an obligation to facilitate participation by members of the global football community.
Calls For Sanctions
He also called on FIFA and UEFA to sanction the Israeli Football Association over alleged violations of FIFA statutes and the Olympic Charter, insisting, “The double standard policy should stop. The sanctions should be imposed.”
Despite his criticism, Rajoub congratulated the United States, Canada and Mexico on hosting the tournament while expressing regret that he and others had been unable to attend ‘this historic and international event’.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, running from 11 June to 19 July, is the first edition to feature 48 teams and the first to be jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, with matches taking place across 16 cities in North America.
Article by Viory
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