Palestine Football Association (PFA) president Jibril Rajoub refused to stand next to or shake hands with Israeli Football Association vice president Bassem Sheikh Suleiman at FIFA’s 76th Congress in Canada on Thursday.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino called both men to the stage during the congress and physically placed his hand on Rajoub’s arm, gesturing for him to move closer. Rajoub did not move.

When asked about the refusal, PFA vice president Suzan Shalabi told a foreign media outlet: “We cannot shake hands with someone that the Israelis brought to whitewash their fascism and genocide. We are in pain.”

Infantino later addressed the congress, saying, “We will work together. President Jibril Rajoub, vice president Bassem Sheikh Suleiman, let’s work together to give hope to the children. These are complex issues.”

The incident came days after the PFA took FIFA to the Court of Arbitration for Sport over FIFA’s decision not to ban Israeli clubs based in illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The PFA argued that allowing settler clubs to compete in the Israeli league violates international law.

FIFA said last month it would take no action against the Israeli Football Association or its clubs, citing the unresolved legal status of the West Bank under international law.