FIFA President Gianni Infantino Goes on Surreal Tirade Over Qatar World Cup Hypocrisy – President of FIFA Gianni Infantino responds to critics of Qatar hosting the 2022 World Cup. In an hour-long press conference Saturday morning, he lashed out at those who have been critical of Qatar over moral issues, their treatment of migrant workers and the LGBTQ+ community and last minute changes such as a ban on alcohol in the stadiums.
“We are told to make many lessons from some Europeans, from the western world. I’m European,” Infantino said. “I think for what we Europeans have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologizing for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people.” Infantino, who is expected to retain his position as president as he is running unopposed for reelection in March, explained stated.
People Also Read: Manchester United Explore Legal Action as They Look to Force Ronaldo Exit
“Billions every year — how many of them have addressed migrant-worker rights? I have the answer: none of them because if they change the legislation it means less profits.” The World Cup, the first to be held in the Middle East, is scheduled to begin on Sunday with a match between Qatar and Ecuador. This comes after a plethora of problems have plagued Qatar in recent days. Migrant workers and their families are demanding compensation from FIFA and Qatar for alleged abuses, including the unexplained deaths they suffered in preparation for the tournament.
“This doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t point that doesn’t work here in Qatar as well,” Infantino said. “Of course, there are things that don’t work and need to be addressed. But this moral lesson giving, one-sided, it is just hypocrisy.” Complaints have been made over the treatment of workers and, of course, the abrupt end of alcohol sales during the event. Infantino questioned European immigration policies. He further added that the Qatar Supreme Committee informed him that everyone would be permitted to enter the country, despite the country’s death-penalty-inducing legislation against homosexuality.
Despite acknowledging that things were not perfect, Infantino called some criticism “profoundly unjust” and accused the West of double standards. The Italian began the news conference by speaking for an hour, telling journalists that he knew what it was like to be discriminated. “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker,” he said, in front of a stunned audience.
Infantino explains that he was ridiculed at school because he “had red hair and freckles” as a child. He seems unconcerned by the alcohol ban and maintains that FIFA retains complete control over the competition. “Let me first assure you that every decision taken at this World Cup is a joint decision between Qatar and FIFA,” Infantino said. “Every decision. It is discussed, debated and taken jointly. There will be over 200 places where you can buy alcohol in Qatar.”
READ MORE
Manchester United Quietly Fuming Over Cristiano Ronaldo’s Bombshell Interview
Sri Lankan Cricketer Danushka Gunathilaka Charged With Alleged Sexual Assault in Sydney
Nike Suspends Relationship With Kyrie Irving After Anti-Semitic Film Controversy
