FIFA President Gianni Infantino has extended a formal apology to British football supporters following controversial remarks he made last month, while simultaneously defending the organisation's contentious decision to award a peace prize to former United States president Donald Trump.
Apology for "Light-Hearted" World Cup Comments
The Swiss football administrator made his original comments during the World Economic Forum in Davos, where he stated that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar had been special because "for the first time in history no Brit was arrested." These remarks drew immediate criticism from fan groups and policing authorities across the United Kingdom.
In an interview with Sky News, Infantino addressed the backlash directly, stating: "I need first to apologise. It was meant to be more of a light-hearted remark to show that actually the World Cup in Qatar was a celebration, was a peaceful event and everyone came together in a peaceful way."
He further elaborated on his perspective, adding: "So having English fans – real fans – coming in a peaceful way and enjoying and cheering for their team is something that is fantastic."
Defending the Trump Peace Prize Decision
Separately, Infantino robustly defended FIFA's controversial decision to present Donald Trump with the inaugural FIFA peace prize during December's World Cup draw in Washington DC. This award had attracted significant criticism, particularly following subsequent geopolitical developments involving US military actions and territorial threats.
When questioned about the appropriateness of this honour, Infantino responded unequivocally: "Objectively, he deserves it." The FIFA president pointed specifically to Trump's involvement in Middle Eastern diplomacy, stating: "He was instrumental in resolving conflicts and saving lives and saving thousands of lives," referencing the former president's role in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Addressing Russia's Football Future
In the same interview, Infantino addressed another contentious international football issue, indicating that FIFA and UEFA would need to reconsider Russia's exclusion from international competitions. The country has been banned from international football since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
"We have to look at readmitting Russia," Infantino stated definitively. "This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred." He proposed a potential pathway for reintegration, suggesting: "Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help."
This position aligns with recent recommendations from the International Olympic Committee, which has advised international sports federations to admit Russian teams at youth competition levels.
Dismissing World Cup Boycott Concerns
The FIFA president also dismissed suggestions that there might be boycotts of upcoming international tournaments due to political controversies surrounding host nations or associated figures. When asked about potential protests related to policies of the Trump administration, Infantino questioned why football should be singled out for such actions.
"In our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion for football," he asserted, emphasising football's potential role as a unifying force amidst global political tensions.
The interview revealed Infantino's perspectives on several sensitive issues at the intersection of international football, politics, and diplomacy, highlighting the complex challenges facing global sports governance in an increasingly polarised geopolitical landscape.
