Ramallah Football Chief Struggles for US Visa at FIFA World Cup

RAMALLAH, West Bank — The head of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, finds himself in a predicament in Mexico City as he awaits permission to enter the United States along with other federation heads attending the prestigious 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Rajoub, a veteran Palestinian political figure, traveled to Mexico City to witness the opening match between Mexico and South Africa. However, he is among several accredited individuals for the World Cup who are facing visa denials or delays from the United States.

Expressing his concerns, Rajoub stated in an interview with The Associated Press, “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.”

While the Palestinian team did not qualify for the World Cup, FIFA traditionally invites the heads of football associations worldwide to partake in the event every four years, emphasizing it as a celebration of global unity.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reassured last year, “Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico, and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year. We are working exactly for that.”

Despite the welcoming stance, the United States has denied entry to delegates from various countries, including a referee from Somalia and a photographer accompanying Iraq’s team.

Infantino acknowledged this week that FIFA has been attempting to address visa issues but lacks the authority to override decisions made by the U.S. government.

Addressing the situation, Infantino remarked, “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces.”

The U.S. State Department has not provided immediate comments regarding Rajoub’s visa status. However, last year, the department implemented new restrictions for Palestinian passport holders, including those who were previously employed by the Palestinian Authority.

Notably, the U.S. revoked a visa for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the United Nations General Assembly last September.

Rajoub and other Palestinian soccer officials have persistently criticized Israel for allowing teams from settlements in the occupied West Bank to participate in Israel’s national league. They have urged FIFA to take action against Israel, highlighting restrictions on the movement of Palestinian players and the impact of conflict in the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in significant damage to sports facilities and casualties among players.

In a recent incident, Rajoub notably refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation at Infantino’s request, asserting that such gestures would not reconcile differences but rather gloss over Israel’s actions.

Rajoub highlighted the disparity in visa policies, noting that Russia did not impose similar restrictions during the 2018 World Cup.

__ Matthew Lee contributed reporting from Washington