ROME (AP) – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has appealed: protester To keep calm ahead of Israel’s soccer World Cup qualifiers in Norway and Italy after reaching an agreement with Hamas. Pause in devastating two-year war.
pro-Palestinian Protesters approached the gates of the Italian national team’s training center Last week in Florence, he called for the cancellation of next Tuesday’s match between Italy and Israel in Udine. millions of activists Let’s go out into town.
Infantino, who is Swiss-Italian, told reporters on the sidelines of the European Football Club (EFC) general meeting in the Italian capital on Thursday: “Now everyone is happy (with the peace plan) and everyone should support the process.” “Obviously, this is more than soccer, but it also includes soccer.”
Israel will visit Norway on Saturday before heading to Italy, where an estimated 10,000 people were expected to protest the match in Udine before peace talks begin.
But on Wednesday, the U.S. president donald trump said Israel and Hamas agree on ‘phase one’ About his plan to suspend fighting and release at least some hostages and prisoners.
UEFA was considering suspending Israel Udine’s mayor, Alberto Felice de Toni, had called for the match to be postponed due to the civil war. but, Italy is desperately trying to avoid failing to qualify. In his third consecutive World Cup appearance, the four-time winner is not willing to risk not playing.
world cup visa
The US State Department announced last week As the number of visa applications from fans wishing to attend is expected to increase significantly, the number of staff at certain embassies and consulates will be increased. world cup match In America next year.
The move comes amid concerns about the Trump administration. Immigration and temporary visa crackdown What gives you permission to enter the United States
and egypt Iran and Morocco have just joined the teams that have qualified. One more win for Saudi Arabiavisa issues could become more important as soon as the World Cup draw is held in Washington on December 5th.
Ticket sales are underway for the tournament, which will also host games between Canada and Mexico.
“We are having great discussions with the U.S. government. There is a White House task force chaired by President Trump, and all these topics are being discussed there,” Infantino said. Close relationship with Trump.
Infantino added: “Obviously, due to the actions of all the relevant secretaries of state, there are no issues regarding visas for participating teams, delegations, etc. We are also working on similar initiatives for our fans. We hope to announce good news soon.”
Playing domestic games overseas is a ‘huge risk’
UEFA reluctantly announced this week that it would not object. A plan to break with tradition Barcelona will play their league matches in Miami, while AC Milan will play in Australia.
Infantino suggested that FIFA should be the only organization to organize matches across continents.
“We have a structure where we play games at national level, continental level and world level. And this is the structure that has made soccer the number one sport in the world,” Infantino said. “If you want to break out of this structure, you’re taking a big risk.”
Changing World Cup calendar
Infantino also mentioned the possibility of revising soccer’s world calendar, moving major events such as the World Cup and European Championships from the June-July period. heat concerns.
Heat was already an issue at this year’s Club World Cup in the United States, and FIFA has moved the 2022 World Cup to Qatar from November to December to avoid the summer heat. A similar situation is expected in neighboring Saudi Arabia. Host a tournament in 2034.
“Obviously we need to look at the calendar and optimize it and see how we can find a competition format that can protect the new needs of the calendar a little bit more,” Infantino said. “The world is spinning, so we must always strive to improve.”
The 2030 World Cup, to be held in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, is likely to be contested in extreme conditions if held in June-July.
However, any changes would likely affect domestic and European competitions such as the Champions League.
EFC president Nasser Al-Khelaifi, who is also the chairman of Paris Saint-Germain, said: “Everyone involved should be involved. We need to analyze it and understand it. Then we should consider it, definitely.” “Do I need to change anything? Yes.”
___
AP Soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/soccer
