The 2023 FIFA Congress took an unexpected and tense turn when Palestinian Football Federation President Jibril Rajoub refused to stand alongside Israel FA Vice-President Basim Sheikh Suliman, despite FIFA President Gianni Infantino's direct appeal for unity. The incident unfolded as both delegates were called to the stage, but Rajoub declined Infantino's gesture to move closer to Suliman—an Arab-Israeli official.

When asked about the refusal, Palestinian FA Vice-President Susan Shalabi, who was present in the room, told reporters, "I cannot shake the hand of someone the Israelis have brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are suffering." Infantino, attempting to de-escalate the situation, addressed the assembly: "We will work together, President Rajoub, Vice-President Suliman. Let's work together to give hope to the children. These are complex matters."

Shalabi later criticized Infantino's approach, saying it undermined Rajoub's earlier speech. In that address, Rajoub had made another impassioned plea for FIFA to prevent Israeli clubs from basing teams in West Bank settlements—a long-standing point of contention. "To be put in a position where to have a handshake after everything that was said negates the whole purpose of the speech," Shalabi explained. "He spent 15 minutes explaining how the rules matter, how this could set a precedent where member associations' rights are violated with impunity, and then we'll just sweep it under the carpet. It was absurd."

Rajoub himself was unapologetic about his stance. "From my side, I still respect and follow the legal procedure, but I think it's time to understand that Israel should be sanctioned. The double standard policy should stop," he stated. "I refused to shake hands. Sport is sport… that should be respected. But if the other side is representing a criminal like Bibi (Benjamin Netanyahu) and speaking on his behalf as if he's Mother Teresa, how can I shake hands or have a photo with such a man? I think Gianni has the right to try, but some lines cannot be crossed."