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Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has stirred controversy with comments made about British football fans during a recent interview. His remarks, perceived as a jest, were met with backlash, leading to an apology directed at fans in the United Kingdom.
While speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Infantino remarked that the upcoming World Cup in Qatar was notable because “for the first time in history, no Brit was arrested.” This statement drew immediate criticism, including a response from the Football Supporters’ Association, which labeled it a “cheap joke” that undermined the experiences of fans.
Infantino’s response to the backlash
In response to the criticism, Infantino expressed regret for any offense caused by his words. He specifically apologized to fans from Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, stating that it was never his intention to offend. “I’m a huge fan of English football,” he emphasized, showcasing his respect for the sport and its culture.
Infantino acknowledged that he had mistakenly described certain behaviors of English fans as typical rather than recognizing them as criminal actions. “I should not have generalized and should have been more careful with my words,” he admitted. He reiterated support for England’s initiatives to combat football-related violence.
Defending the peace prize awarded to Trump
In a related matter, Infantino defended FIFA’s decision to award a peace prize to former U.S. President Donald Trump, a choice that drew substantial criticism. He articulated that FIFA’s motto, “football unites the world,” is inherently connected to the pursuit of peace. Infantino stated, “Whatever we can do to help foster peace globally, we should be doing it. That’s why we contemplated recognizing individuals who contribute positively to peace efforts.”
Infantino maintained that Trump deserved the award due to his involvement in conflict resolution, citing support from various political figures. “It’s not just me who believes this; even prominent figures have acknowledged Trump’s role in facilitating dialogue among conflicting parties,” he remarked, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to promoting peace through football.
On the topic of bans and boycotts
When addressing the ban on Russian teams by FIFA and UEFA following the invasion of Ukraine, Infantino claimed that the ban had not produced the intended results. He suggested reconsidering the ban, stating, “We must lift this ban because it only breeds frustration and animosity.” Infantino argued that allowing Russian youth teams to participate in matches across Europe could promote understanding and communication.
He also expressed disapproval of any form of boycott, particularly regarding the upcoming World Cup in the United States. Infantino questioned the logic behind boycotting a sport that unites people in a divided world. His position is that football should act as a platform for unity rather than division.
The role of FIFA in women’s football
Infantino addressed the challenges and advancements in promoting women’s football, particularly in countries with cultural restrictions. He shared experiences engaging with officials in nations like Iran and North Korea, emphasizing the importance of dialogue over confrontation. By advocating for women’s football, he highlighted the need for patience and respect to achieve meaningful change.
For example, after years of persistent dialogue, women in Iran gained access to stadiums, marking a significant victory for female athletes. Infantino stated, “You can’t achieve progress through threats; you must engage constructively to see real change occur.” He emphasized FIFA’s commitment to empowering women in football globally, including efforts to support Afghan women players following the Taliban’s resurgence.
While speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Infantino remarked that the upcoming World Cup in Qatar was notable because “for the first time in history, no Brit was arrested.” This statement drew immediate criticism, including a response from the Football Supporters’ Association, which labeled it a “cheap joke” that undermined the experiences of fans.0