FIFA president's attempt at Israel-Palestine photo-op backfires in tense moment

With the world watching, Gianni Infantino wanted to produce a defining moment of his FIFA presidency. It did not go as he planned. In fact, it backfired.

After representatives from both the Palestine Football Association (PFA) and the Israel Football Association (IFA) had given speeches at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver on Thursday, Infantino invited both back on stage for a photo-op. In a time of intense animosity between Israel and Palestine, the photo would have proven one of Infantino's most trusted clichés: "Football unites the world. " But awkwardness ensued.

PFA president Jibril Rajoub refused to shake the hand of IFA vice president Basim Sheikh Suliman. Instead, as Suliman watched on, Rajoub engaged in a heated dialogue with Infantino on stage for several minutes. Microphones were unable to pick up exactly what was said, but many at the event in Vancouver heard Rajoub's words: "We are suffering.

" Infantino’s attempt at Israeli-Palestinian handshake failed. The FIFA president tried to get a picture with the Israeli and Palestinian delegates. PFA president Jibril Rajoub refused to stand next to Israel FA vice-president Basim Sheikh Suliman at the FIFA congress.