FIFA Congress marked by tense political moments amid unity calls

The 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver concluded with strong messages of unity and major financial commitments, but was overshadowed by political tensions during a high-profile exchange between representatives.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino had set the tone for the gathering by emphasising football’s role in bringing people together, as member associations met in Canada on Thursday, 30 April.

The congress confirmed key developments, including Iran’s participation in the 2026 World Cup, positive financial projections, and plans for leadership continuity.

Delegates were welcomed by Concacaf president Victor Montagliani and Canadian Soccer Association president Peter Augruso at the start of proceedings.

The event, only the second FIFA Congress to be held in Canada after 1976, was intended to focus on themes of unity, respect and the fight against racism in football.

In his opening address, Infantino highlighted what he described as the unique ability of football to bridge divides across the world.

He reiterated that the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup would feature 48 participating member associations, including Iran, and framed the tournament as an opportunity to send a global message.

“Of course, Iran will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup and, of course, Iran will play in the United States of America. And the reason is very simple, dear friends: it is because we must unite, we must bring people together ,” President Infantino stated.

He continued by underlining what he sees as a shared responsibility within the football community.

“It’s my responsibility; it’s our responsibility. Football unites the world. FIFA unites the world. You unite the world. We unite the world. And we must always remember to be positive. We must smile; we must be happy. There are already enough problems in the world. There are already enough people seeking to divide. If no one strives to unite, what will become of our world? We must act.”

The congress also acknowledged progress made in tackling racism within the sport, reinforcing FIFA’s commitment to addressing discrimination.

However, the emphasis on unity was tested during a moment that drew significant attention.

Representatives from the Palestinian Football Association and the Israeli Football Association addressed the congress, with Infantino paying tribute to victims of violence in the region and again calling for football to serve as a bridge.

In an effort to demonstrate reconciliation, he invited both delegations to the podium.

The gesture did not unfold as intended. Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, refused to stand alongside Basim Sheikh Suliman, an Arab Israeli, and declined to shake his hand.

His reaction created a tense atmosphere in the room.

“I cannot shake the hand of someone whom the Israelis brought here to whitewash their fascism and genocide,” Jibril Rajoub declared bluntly.

FIFA later reiterated that issues raised by the Palestinian Football Association at a previous congress had been handled by its competent bodies.

Infantino sought to reframe the situation by stressing equality between member associations.

“One thing must never be forgotten: your two federations have the same rights. The right to organize football in your respective territories, the right to represent your countries on the international stage, and the right and the duty to instill in your children a love of football and mutual respect . “

Away from the political exchanges, the congress approved FIFA’s 2025 Annual Report and outlined financial projections for the 2027–2030 cycle.

The organisation is forecasting revenues of $14bn, a figure that would represent a new record.

Infantino said the projected income would allow FIFA to expand its investment in football development worldwide.

The 211 member associations are expected to benefit from increased funding, with the FIFA Forward programme set to reach $2.7bn.

“I want to emphasize that, clearly, FIFA’s Forward program has had a considerable impact. Over the last ten years, we have invested $5 billion in football development . “

He added: “It is absolutely essential that we invest and increase our investment programs.I can also assure you that this $2.7 billion we are investing in the next round for Forward is just a starting point, the minimum of what we are doing and what we want to do, and we will certainly do much more. This $2.7 billion represents eight times more than what has been done in the past.”

The congress also confirmed future organisational milestones.

Infantino announced his intention to stand for re-election in 2027, with the vote scheduled to take place during the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March.

Before that, an extraordinary FIFA Congress will be held virtually on 23 November 2026 to determine the host nations for the 2031 and 2035 editions of the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

While the Vancouver meeting delivered key decisions on tournaments and finances, it also illustrated the broader challenges facing global football governance, where sporting ambitions often intersect with political realities.