SUMMARY
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino was recently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia for an event.
- At the event Infantino kicked off the ball wearing a No. 9 jersey and a captain's armband. He shared match highlights on Instagram.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has once again come under the spotlight. Infantino, who has been the top boss of FIFA since February 2016, was present at an event held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, recently.
The Al-Ahli Sports Club hosted an event that showcased the participation of numerous renowned former soccer players in a Legends game. Among the attendees was FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Infantino made himself engaged in the game by kicking off the ball wearing a No. 9 jersey and donning a captain’s armband. He also shared a brief clip featuring highlights from the match on his Instagram account.
However, the main reason for public interest was something completely different. A clip that has gone viral on the internet shows that during the post-match show, Infantino could be seen participating in a traditional Saudi dance. He could be seen getting felicitated following the dance session by top Saudi authorities.
Gianni Infantino in Saudi Arabia. 🇸🇦 pic.twitter.com/u9Uw8cxqfd
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Football__Tweet) December 24, 2023
The clip has garnered quite a lot of reactions from soccer followers around the world. One fan commented, “They are bribing him to bring the World Cup to Saudi Arabia.” Another quirked, “The downfall of FIFA.” A third said, “Can see the wads of cash dropping out of his pockets as he boogies about.” A fourth said, “This is corruption.”
THEY ARE BRIBING HIM TO BRING THE WORLD CUP TO SAUDI ARABIA
— Kijana Ya Baba (Parody)🇰🇪 (@kijanaYaa) December 24, 2023
It’s fair to say the clip hasn’t gone down well with soccer fans. The primary reason is the news of Saudi Arabia hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup. After the success of Qatar last year, FIFA might give Saudi Arabia the right to host the biggest sporting event in 2034. Fans aren’t in favor of this decision, as the Saudi Arabian Federation is planning to host the tournament during the summer season.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino condemns referee violence as ‘Cancer’ in soccer
FIFA President, Gianni Infantino, has recently opened up about expressing his concerns regarding the issue of violence against referees, labeling it as a “cancer” for the game of soccer. This was said in the FIFA Football Summit 2023 which had attendees from all the members association of FIFA.
Labeling it “Team One”, the FIFA president went on to speak a lot about the pivotal role referees play in the sport. He said, “Without referees, there’s no football. We all have to fight against any sort of abuse and violence against referees, but also to bring back respect and tolerance.”
🗣️ “Without referees there is no football”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s message regarding abuse and violence towards referees is loud and clear. pic.twitter.com/jWHZolchED
— FIFA (@FIFAcom) December 21, 2023
“This starts with us, this starts with you, with the leaders of football, with the way we speak, with the way we act…We have to take responsibility (as) what we do has an impact on many girls and boys – not just a positive one but also a negative one,” he added.
His recent revelation comes after the shocking incident that occurred recently involving the attack of FIFA referee Halil Umut Meler following a Turkish Super Lig match between Ankaragucu and Rizespor.
