Palestinian football chief says US barred him from attending World Cup
Jibril Rajoub claims his visa application was denied because of his criticism of Israel
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub has said the US and Canada denied him visas to attend the FIFA World Cup, as unexpected entry restrictions have affected accredited delegates from across Africa and the Middle East.
The tournament, which began on Thursday, is being jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US. Although the Palestinian team did not qualify for the competition, FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from member nations to the event, which it presents as a celebration of global unity.
Rajoub, who attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, told AFP on Saturday that he would return to the Palestinian territories after Tunisia’s match against Sweden on June 14.
“They did not grant me a visa for the United States after I applied in [the Jordanian capital] Amman. Their behavior is ridiculous,” he said, adding that Canada also denied him a visa.
The Palestinian football chief claimed the decision stemmed from his criticism of Israel, saying, “the Israelis had exerted pressure” on officials. “Certain circles do not want us to criticize Israel.”
Rajoub has been among the leading advocates of FIFA sanctions against Israel, accusing it of violating football statutes through settlement clubs in the West Bank and by restricting the movement of Palestinian players.
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that while the federation was trying to resolve visa issues, it could not “rule over governments and police forces.”
The news comes days after Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to referee a FIFA World Cup match, was denied entry to the US despite reportedly having the necessary paperwork.
An Iraqi photographer traveling with his national team was also refused entry, while 15 Iranian officials and support staff were reportedly denied visas, forcing the delegation to remain in Mexico. Supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast have also reported difficulties entering the host countries.
Last year, the US imposed travel restrictions on citizens of several countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iran. The measures also affected some Palestinian passport holders, including individuals who worked for the Palestinian Authority.
