FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s recent comments on Russia’s ban and relationship with Donald Trump should make the FIFA Board ask itself whether it needs a high-profile leader.
Gianni Infantino says he has a “great relationship” with Donald Trump (Image: Tasos Katapodis – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)
Gianni Infantino has the right to express his opinion on whatever interests him, whether it be British hooligans or unfree world leaders. He has the right to express his opinion about whatever he wants to express his opinion about.
For example, the effectiveness and morality of sports boycotts. Infantino suggested that the ban on Russia’s involvement in FIFA and UEFA competitions should be lifted, saying: “It should be written into law that no country can actually be banned from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders.”
Infantino said he firmly opposes any boycott. Really? It would have been interesting if Infantino had held an office job at FIFA during South Africa’s apartheid era.
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So can he say boycotts are ineffective? Infantino continued: “It would help if Russian boys and girls could participate in soccer matches in other parts of Europe.”
Again, this is Infantino’s opinion and he is entitled to express it. Like Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sibikha, he has the right to express his opinion.
“679 Ukrainian boys and girls will no longer be able to play soccer. Russia killed them,” Sibiha wrote in response to Infantino’s comments. “While the morally corrupt are suggesting that the ban be lifted, it continues to kill them.”
Strong reaction. And the reason Infantino’s comments sparked such a strong reaction is because of the kind of person he is perceived to be, or the kind of person he perceives himself to be. He is truly a world leader. World football leader.
Coach Gianni Infantino suggested FIFA should reconsider Russia’s ban from the tournament (Image: PA)
In recent months, we’ve seen Infantino inventing a peace prize and handing it to Donald Trump, Infantino making cheap jokes about England fans and Infantino saying the Russian ban should be reconsidered. Naturally, many of his words and actions bring condemnation and anger.
But he seems increasingly at peace with criticism. He can laugh off the consequences of his insulting rant against British fans.
He ignores criticism of the Peace Prize, simply reminding everyone that he has a “great relationship” with President Trump. This is because he must truly feel that he is equal to the world leaders.
This begs the question… how on earth did this happen? Now an even simpler question arises… Why does world soccer need a president?
FIFA president apologizes for making cheap jokes about England fans (Image: Getty Images)
It may sound very naive, but the more Infantino positions himself on the world political stage as a representative of football, as a leader of football, it is a question worth asking. After all, it’s a people’s game.
Yes, we need organizations and bodies to create and manage rules and regulations. There is a need to host tournaments and to coordinate with countries that host tournaments. It takes a lot of people to manage finances, operations, disciplinary procedures, etc.
But we don’t need a president who thinks he’s among the most influential and important people on the planet (because it will be a long time before he becomes one). Gianni Infantino has the right to express his opinion about what he wants…but football doesn’t need him.
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