The president of the Palestinian Football Federation is stuck in Mexico due to US visa uncertainty

Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestine Football Association (AP Photo) Palestine Football Association President Jibril Rajoub remains in Mexico City awaiting approval to enter the United States as visa issues continue to affect several delegates attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Rajoub was present for Thursday’s tournament opener between Mexico and South Africa. Despite being accredited for the World Cup, however, he is among a number of soccer officials who have either been denied entry visas or are still waiting for US authorities to issue them.In an interview with The Associated Press, Rajoub criticized the situation and questioned the restrictions imposed on the football representatives invited to the tournament.“I don’t believe it is fair to exploit or abuse and deny the right of all footballers around the world to participate,” said the veteran Palestinian political figure.Although Palestine did not qualify for the World Cup, FIFA traditionally invites football association chiefs from around the world to attend the event, which the governing body promotes as a celebration of unity through sport.FIFA President Gianni Infantino has previously emphasized the inclusive vision of the tournament.“Everyone will be welcome next year in Canada, Mexico and the United States for the World Cup. That’s exactly what we’re working on,” Infantino said last year.Despite these assurances, visa issues reportedly affected delegates from several countries. Among those affected are a referee from Somalia and a photographer traveling with the Iraqi national team.Earlier this week, Infantino acknowledged FIFA’s efforts to help resolve visa issues, but said the organization could not override the decisions of national governments.“We have to respect that we are not kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces,” he told reporters on Wednesday.The US State Department did not immediately comment on Rajoub’s case. However, the United States last year imposed additional restrictions on Palestinian passport holders, including measures against individuals who previously worked for the Palestinian Authority. In September, a visa that would have allowed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to attend the UN General Assembly was also revoked.Rajoub has been a long-time critic of Israeli football politics. The Palestinian Football Association has repeatedly argued that Israel is violating FIFA regulations by allowing clubs from settlements in the occupied West Bank to participate in Israel’s domestic league system.The association also called on FIFA to take disciplinary action against Israel, while highlighting the restrictions faced by Palestinian players and the impact of the Gaza conflict. According to the Palestinian Football Association, approximately 80 percent of sports facilities in Gaza were damaged or destroyed, with at least 565 players killed.The tension was also evident last month when Rajoub refused to shake the hand of the head of the Israel Football Federation despite Infantino’s request. Rajoub later said that such a gesture would not contribute to reconciliation and would instead serve to whitewash Israel’s actions.In comparison to previous tournaments, Rajoub noted that when Russia hosted the 2018 FIFA World Cup, invited guests did not face similar visa barriers.As the World Cup continues in North America, uncertainty remains as to whether Rajoub and the other affected delegates will receive permission to enter the United States and fully participate in FIFA’s flagship event.