FIFA unable to override US visa denial for Palestinian football chief
The head of the Palestinian Football Association was denied entry to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, prompting FIFA President Gianni Infantino to acknowledge the limits of the organisation’s authority over sovereign immigration decisions.
Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, remains in Mexico City after being denied a United States visa to attend the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although Rajoub was present for the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico, he was unable to cross into the United States, joining a growing list of accredited delegates facing entry barriers.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the governing body cannot override decisions made by the US government. Speaking to reporters on Wednesday, Infantino emphasised the limits of FIFA’s power in the face of national sovereignty. “We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he said, confirming that the organisation is working to resolve the issues but lacks the authority to compel entry.
The US State Department provided no immediate comment regarding Rajoub’s specific status. However, the United States implemented new restrictions on Palestinian passport holders last year, including those employed by the Palestinian Authority. This policy shift followed the revocation of a visa for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in September last year, preventing his travel to the United Nations General Assembly.
Rajoub expressed frustration with the exclusion, telling The Associated Press that he did not believe it was fair to deny footballers the right to attend the tournament. He highlighted that Russia did not impose comparable visa restrictions for invited guests during the 2018 World Cup, suggesting a disparity in how host nations manage international sporting access.
The visa denials extend beyond the Palestinian delegation. A referee from Somalia and a photographer travelling with Iraq’s team have also been denied visas or are awaiting decisions. In Canada, Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry to the opening match, with Canadian officials citing that immigration laws remain in effect regardless of the event.
Rajoub’s absence underscores broader tensions within the sport’s governance. He previously refused to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation at Infantino’s request, arguing the gesture would not heal wounds. Palestinian officials have long contended that Israel violates statutes by allowing teams from West Bank settlements to play in the national league and have cited the destruction of 80 percent of sports facilities in Gaza.
