FIFA president Gianni Infantino has defended the decision to award a peace prize to United States president Donald Trump – but apologised over remarks he made about British fans.
Infantino had claimed at last month’s World Economic Forum in Davos that the 2022 World Cup in Qatar was special because “for the first time in history no Brit was arrested”.
His comments were swiftly condemned, with the Football Supporters’ Association describing them as a “cheap” joke at the expense of fans.
Meanwhile, the UK’s football policing lead, Chief Constable Mark Roberts, stated they were “neither helpful nor accurate”, citing the record of fans at tournaments both before and since Qatar.
When Infantino was asked about the comments in an interview, he responded: “I need first to apologise. It was meant to be more of a light-hearted remark to show that actually the World Cup in Qatar was a celebration, was a peaceful event and everyone came together in a peaceful way.
“So having English fans – real fans – coming in a peaceful way and enjoying and cheering for their team is something that is fantastic.”
Infantino was heavily criticised for the decision to award Trump the inaugural FIFA peace prize at December’s World Cup draw in Washington DC, with the move further questioned after US forces seized Venezuelan president Miguel Maduro and after Trump issued threats around military force to seize Greenland.
However, Infantino told Sky News: “Objectively, he deserves it.”
Infantino spoke about the role Trump played in securing a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, adding: “He was instrumental in resolving conflicts and saving lives and saving thousands of lives.”
Infantino also said his organisation and UEFA would “have to” look at allowing Russia back into international football.
The country has been banned since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022 but the International Olympic Committee has now recommended that international sports federations admit Russian teams to compete at youth level.
Infantino said: “We have to (look at readmitting Russia). Definitely.
“This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred.
“Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help.”
