How FIFA boss Infantino sidelined himself with absurd statements about Africa

World Cup every two years
How FIFA boss Infantino sidelined himself with absurd statements about Africa

In the end he didn’t want it to have been. Only a few hours after Fifa President Gianni Infantino had linked a future more frequent hosting of the World Cup with need and poverty in Africa, the powerful official sent word through the world association that he didn’t mean it that way. He had previously addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on the future of global football. “We have to give Africans hope that they don’t have to come across the Mediterranean to maybe find a better life here – but probably death at sea. We have to give them opportunities and dignity,” said 51-year-old Schweizer. Probably never before had the world football tournament and the supposed power of the world’s most popular sport been hung so high.

Absurdly high, as Infantino probably recognized. On the other hand, in this way he once again uncompromisingly and vehemently represented his project for a World Cup every two years. Terms such as “hope”, “emotions” or “dreams” characterize Infantino’s lectures, who increasingly slips into the role of the Samaritan when promoting the permanent football World Cup. Take from the rich, give to the poor: This is how the Fifa boss likes to justify his plan, with which the most important football tournament should take place twice as often in the future as before. But this time Infantino apparently went a little too high – and therefore let it be rumored: “This was a general remark that did not directly relate to the possibility of hosting a FIFA World Cup every two years.” His statements were “taken out of context” and “misinterpreted”.

Football World Cup every two years: No from Europe and South America

Infantino’s commitment to the football revolution, which was massively rejected in Europe and South America in particular, is now enormous. The Swiss risk a lot. If the reform is crushed – and Infantino does not get any other concessions from the resistant partners in dispute around Uefa boss Aleksander Ceferin – it will be more than just a loss of face.

Regardless of the statements about Africa, Ceferin once again made it clear that the World Cup every two years is not an option for him and his association. European football stands “firmly” behind a model of solidarity, which is also supported by the Council of Europe. The latest resolution leaves no room for interpretation. “It contains a clear no to selfish super leagues and a clear no to extravagant World Cup proposals, but a categorical yes to working together to protect and strengthen our model, which is in the interest of European football and European society.” Ceferin quoted on Thursday.

Gianni Infantino: His project has no value without the superstars

At its core, Uefa is in favor of leaving the framework appointment calendar as it is. Of course, this is also due to self-interest: If the World Cup, undoubtedly the most important of all football tournaments, is played every two years, the Uefa competitions also lose in importance and status. Instead, Europe’s leading association is pushing ahead with its own projects. A so-called Finalissima will be held for the first time on June 1, 2022: South America champion Argentina meets European champion Italy in London.

An expansion of the Nations League, which was played for the first time in 2018, with the ten teams from South America is also an option. As long as Europe and South America work together as one, it will be difficult for Infantino to push through his heart project. Because it is also clear: Without the top teams from these two continents, not only would all the world champions in history be missing, but also the sporting value. Uefa and the South American association Conmebol recently extended their cooperation until June 30, 2028.

dho / Patrick Reichardt and Jan Mies
DPA