FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, highlighting the importance of global unity in football. He addressed criticism regarding human rights concerns, asserting a thorough evaluation process. Infantino also discussed his relationship with Donald Trump and expressed hope for Russia’s return to international football contingent on peace in Ukraine.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has publicly defended the decision to award the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia, despite significant controversy surrounding the kingdom’s human rights record and labor practices. This decision was made during a FIFA Congress in December and received a unanimous endorsement, which Infantino argues represents a positive progression for global football.
Infantino emphasized the importance of inclusivity, stating that the awarding of the World Cup to Saudi Arabia facilitates the unification of football at a global level. “There was a Congress decision, uniting the entire world. I think it was a very positive step for football,” he maintained, highlighting the upcoming global tournaments in North America, South America, Africa, and Europe.
Addressing inquiries regarding FIFA’s evaluation process, Infantino noted that Saudi Arabia’s bid received the highest score of any past assessments, categorized as having a “medium risk” on human rights issues. He reiterated FIFA’s commitment to transparency and thorough evaluation when selecting host nations.
Infantino also faced scrutiny regarding his close relationship with former President Donald Trump, particularly in light of the involvement of Trump’s family in FIFA events. He remarked, “I think it is absolutely crucial for the success of a World Cup to have a close relationship with the president,” emphasizing the strategic benefits of such connections.
In response to inquiries about reinstating Russia to international football, Infantino expressed optimism for global participation in the sport, contingent upon peace negotiations related to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. He stated, “We all hope that peace talks will be successful… if there is a little role that football can play, once peace is there, then of course, we’ll play our role.”
In summary, Gianni Infantino’s defense of the Saudi Arabia World Cup award highlights FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and global unity in football. Despite controversies surrounding human rights, FIFA evaluated the bid favorably, indicating a structured selection process. Infantino’s comments reflect strong international relationships, particularly with the United States, while also addressing future cooperation contingent upon global peace.
Original Source: www.irishnews.com
