Palestinian Football Association president Jibril Rajoub remains in Mexico City awaiting a US visa to attend the FIFA World Cup, joining a growing list of accredited tournament participants facing entry difficulties.
Rajoub attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa on Thursday but has not yet received permission to enter the United States, where part of the tournament is being held.
“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 told the Associated Press.
Although Palestine did not qualify for the World Cup, FIFA traditionally invites presidents of football associations from around the world to attend the tournament.
The visa issue comes despite earlier assurances from FIFA President Gianni Infantino that visitors would be welcomed across the three host nations: the United States, Canada and Mexico.
Several other accredited attendees have reportedly encountered entry problems. These include a Somali referee selected for the tournament and a photographer travelling with Iraq's national team, who were denied entry to the United States.
Speaking to reporters this week, Infantino said FIFA had been working to resolve visa-related issues but acknowledged that the organisation could not overrule decisions made by national governments.
"We need to respect that we are not the kings of the world who can rule over governments and police forces," he said.
Rajoub was also in the spotlight last month when he declined to shake hands with the head of Israel's football federation despite a request from Infantino. He said such a gesture would not contribute to justice or reconciliation.
The Palestinian Football Association has long accused Israel of violating FIFA statutes by allowing teams from Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank to participate in its domestic league. Palestinian officials have repeatedly called on FIFA to take action, citing restrictions on player movement and damage to sports infrastructure in Gaza during the ongoing conflict.
The visa delays have added to broader concerns over access and entry restrictions affecting some participants and officials attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup.