Palestinian FA head criticizes US over delayed World Cup visa

Jibril Rajoub, president of the Palestinian Football Association, criticized the United States government on Thursday for delaying his visa to attend World Cup-related events, arguing that such obstacles disrespect FIFA and undermine the unifying mission of international sport.

FIFA obligations disregarded

Speaking from Mexico City where he attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa, Rajoub told Anadolu that host nations must facilitate entry for accredited officials under FIFA traditions. "I believe that FIFA regulations, or at least its traditions, require any country hosting a global event to honor its obligations toward that event by facilitating the entry of everyone connected to it," he said. "This is not a favor on their part; it is a right, and they are obligated to uphold it."

The Palestinian official argued that Washington's conduct strips it of the moral authority to host major tournaments. "Through this behavior, they are stripping themselves of the moral right to host such a major sporting event," he stated. "Up to this moment, I have not received approval to enter, and I believe I am not the only one. There are many others facing the same problem," Rajoub added.

Broader visa obstacles

Recent visa complications have affected multiple football officials from various nations, including representatives of Iran's Football Federation and Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who missed FIFA appointments due to processing delays. The United States is preparing to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico. Entry restrictions have raised concerns as the tournament approaches.