Fresh World Cup visa controversy as Palestinian football chief hits out at US restrictions

WorldFootball
12 Jun 2026 • 7:57 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Fresh World Cup visa controversy as Palestinian football chief hits out at US restrictions

  • Jibril Rajoub, head of the Palestinian Football Association (PFA), is currently in Mexico City awaiting a US visa to attend events related to the 2026 Fifa World Cup, despite being accredited.
  • He is among several international football officials who have either been denied US visas or are still awaiting approval, prompting frustration from Rajoub who believes it is unfair to deny access to the global event.
  • Fifa President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the visa issues, stating that while Fifa attempted to resolve them, the organisation cannot override the US government's decisions.
  • The US State Department, which has not commented on Rajoub's specific case, implemented new restrictions last year on Palestinian passport holders, including revoking a visa for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
  • Rajoub and the PFA have consistently accused Israel of violating statutes by allowing teams from West Bank settlements in its national league and restricting Palestinian players' movement, with Rajoub recently refusing to shake hands with the head of Israel's football federation.

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