The head of the Palestinian Football Association has said he was not granted a US visa to travel for World Cup-related events, as questions continue over entry permissions for several accredited football officials.
Jibril Rajoub, who is currently in Mexico City, said he is awaiting clearance to enter the United States along with other federation representatives attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup. He attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday.
He is among several accredited individuals who have either been denied US visas or are still waiting for approval, according to reports.
“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,” Rajoub said in an interview with The Associated Press.
Although Palestine did not qualify for the tournament, FIFA traditionally invites heads of national football associations worldwide to the World Cup, describing it as a global celebration of unity.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said last year that “everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the FIFA World Cup next year,” adding that efforts were underway to ensure smooth access.
However, the United States has reportedly denied entry to delegates from several countries, including a Somali referee and a photographer accompanying Iraq’s team.
Infantino said this week FIFA was trying to resolve visa issues but acknowledged it could not override government decisions.
“We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he told reporters.
The US State Department did not immediately comment on Rajoub’s visa case. Last year, Washington introduced new restrictions affecting Palestinian passport holders, including individuals previously employed by the Palestinian Authority, and also revoked a visa allowing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the UN General Assembly.
Rajoub and other Palestinian football officials have long accused Israel of allowing settlement-based teams in the occupied West Bank to compete in its national league, calling for FIFA sanctions. They have also raised concerns over restrictions on Palestinian players’ movement and said the war in Gaza has severely damaged sports infrastructure and killed at least 565 players, according to the association.
Last month, Rajoub declined to shake hands with the head of Israel’s football federation at FIFA President Infantino’s request, saying such gestures would not heal the conflict but would “whitewash” Israel’s actions.
He also pointed to the 2018 Russia World Cup, arguing that Russia did not impose similar visa restrictions on invited participants.