Jibril Rajoub claims his visa application was denied because of his criticism of Israel<\/p>\n
Palestinian Football Association President Jibril Rajoub has said the US and Canada denied him visas to attend the FIFA World Cup, as unexpected entry restrictions have affected accredited delegates from across Africa and the Middle East.
\nThe tournament, which began on Thursday, is being jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico, and the US. Although the Palestinian team did not qualify for the competition, FIFA typically invites the heads of football associations from member nations to the event, which it presents as a celebration of global unity.
\nRajoub, who attended the opening match between Mexico and South Africa in Mexico City, told AFP on Saturday that he would return to the Palestinian territories after Tunisia\u2019s match against Sweden on June 14.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThey did not grant me a visa for the United States after I applied in [the Jordanian capital] Amman. Their behavior is ridiculous,\u201d he said, adding that Canada also denied him a visa.
\nThe Palestinian football chief claimed the decision stemmed from his criticism of Israel, saying,\u00a0\u201cthe Israelis had exerted pressure\u201d on officials.\u00a0\u201cCertain circles do not want us to criticize Israel.\u201d
\nRajoub has been among the leading advocates of FIFA sanctions against Israel, accusing it of violating football statutes through settlement clubs in the West Bank and by restricting the movement of Palestinian players.<\/p>\n
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Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said that while the federation was trying to resolve visa issues, it could not \u201crule over governments and police forces.\u201d
\nThe news comes days after Omar Abdulkadir Artan, who was set to become the first Somali to referee a FIFA World Cup match, was denied entry to the US despite reportedly having the necessary paperwork.
\nAn Iraqi photographer traveling with his national team was also refused entry, while 15 Iranian officials and support staff were reportedly denied visas, forcing the delegation to remain in Mexico. Supporters from Senegal and Ivory Coast have also reported difficulties entering the host countries.
\nLast year, the US imposed travel restrictions on citizens of several countries, including Somalia, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Iran. The measures also affected some Palestinian passport holders, including individuals who worked for the Palestinian Authority.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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