Palestinian football chief Jibril Rajoub cannot yet enter the United States or Canada for the men's World Cup because he has not been granted a visa.
"To this day, I have received neither a visa to enter the United States nor Canada. That is regrettable and shows a lack of respect for this international sporting event," Rajoub told dpa on Friday.
He said he did not expect to receive a visa but that efforts were continuing.
Media reports say he is waiting in Mexico City where he watched the World Cup opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday.
The Palestinian team, which is recognized by world football body FIFA, did not qualify for the World Cup but FIFA usually invites the heads of all federations to the tournament every four years.
The United States introduced new restrictions last year for holders of Palestinian passports. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was denied entry last September for the United Nations General Assembly.
There was already a major stir before the start of the World Cup over Somalian referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the US despite being set to officiate matches.
Iranians have also had difficulty getting into the US for the World Cup given the war between the two nations.
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada for their World Cup opener against Panama in Toronto on Wednesday. He has been charged in London with rape, which he denies.
