Gianni Infantino apologises over controversial British fans’ joke

PoliticsSports
3 Feb 2026 • 1:07 AM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino apologised for a "light-hearted remark" after he claimed the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was special because "for the first time in history no Brit was arrested".
  • After criticism from the Football Supporters’ Association and UK policing lead, Infantino insisted he was joking and was referring to how the tournament “was a celebration, was a peaceful event and everyone came together in a peaceful way”.
  • Infantino defended his decision to award a peace prize to Donald Trump, stating he "objectively deserves it" for his role in resolving conflicts and saving lives.
  • The FIFA President dismissed the idea of a boycott of the upcoming World Cup due to policies adopted by the Trump administration, emphasising that football provides an occasion for people to unite in a "divided world."
  • He indicated that FIFA and UEFA "have to" consider readmitting Russia to international football, despite its ban since the 2022 invasion of Ukraine, citing the International Olympic Committee's recommendation for youth-level competition.

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