Fresh World Cup visa controversy as Palestinian football chief hits out

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged inAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleJibril 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. In fullPalestinian football chief says he has not been granted US visa for World CupThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

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