FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended awarding Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup despite human rights concerns. He highlighted the importance of global participation and maintaining relationships with political leaders like U.S. President Trump. Infantino also mentioned hopes for peace enabling football’s expansion to nations like Russia.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the decision to award Saudi Arabia the 2034 World Cup during a FIFA Congress in December. This decision has sparked controversy due to the nation’s human rights concerns, including issues surrounding migrant laborers and the criminalization of same-sex relationships. Nonetheless, Infantino stated that the Congress’s decision represented a unifying moment for world football, emphasizing the significance of welcoming global participation.
Infantino emphasized that the highest evaluated bid for the 2034 event was rated as ‘medium risk’ in terms of human rights and noted the importance of hosting the World Cup across various continents, fostering inclusivity in the sport. Following the upcoming tournaments in North America (2026) and Europe (2030), Infantino highlighted the return to Asia as a crucial step for international football.
Amid the discussion, Infantino also addressed his relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. His close ties were spotlighted, especially as Trump’s daughter, Ivanka, participated in the FIFA Club World Cup draw. Infantino justified this by stating that a strong connection with the U.S. president is essential for the World Cup’s success, especially with the United States hosting the World Cup next year alongside Canada and Mexico.
In response to inquiries about Russia’s potential return to football following its invasion of Ukraine, Infantino expressed hope for a resolution and peace. He stated that if peace could be established, FIFA looked forward to facilitating football’s reinstatement globally, highlighting the sport’s role in fostering unity and peace across nations.
Infantino’s support for Saudi Arabia’s World Cup hosting emphasizes FIFA’s commitment to global football engagement despite criticisms. His relationship with U.S. leadership underscores the importance of political ties in organizing major sporting events. Additionally, FIFA’s stance on peace and potential future inclusivity of nations like Russia reflects the organization’s broader mission to use football as a means of promoting unity.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
