“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said in a statement. Concacaf, for its part, expressed concern about the process to date.
gianni infantino
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Gianni Infantino slams World Cup critics for ‘spreading hate’
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit back at World Cup critics, claiming they were “spreading hate and false rumors” and arguing the tournament delivered “only joy and happiness.”
In a long open letter published on Monday, Infantino urged detractors to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray” after a tournament marked by controversies ranging from ticket pricing to visa issues.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
CAF chief Motsepe backs Infantino despite criticism
African football boss Patrice Motsepe offered an emphatic defence of FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Wednesday, portraying him as a devoted steward of the game and friend of the continent. Infantino has faced growing criticism over FIFA’s decision to delay a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun at the recently concluded World Cup, as […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
FIFA chief forced to defend Balogun World Cup reprieve
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino on Monday defended the decision to reprieve US World Cup star Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump said he had appealed directly to the head of world football’s governing body over the issue. Balogun, the US team’s outstanding player at the World Cup, had been set to miss the last-16 game against […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
FIFA draws criticism as Infantino clocks up air miles at World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been a busy man at this World Cup but his unquenchable thirst to pack in as many matches as possible is causing unrest among environmentalists who are questioning his indifference to climate change. Mexico City, Guadalajara, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Vancouver, Seattle, Kansas City, Houston: the Italo-Swiss boss has already […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
World Cup in US ‘impossible without Trump’: Infantino
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Wednesday it would have been “impossible” to organise the World Cup in the United States without US President Donald Trump. Infantino has established a firm friendship with Trump, even awarding the president a newly created FIFA Peace Prize in December, before US military operations in Venezuela and Iran. “I […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
World Cup nears kickoff after pre-tournament turbulence
The World Cup kicks off on Thursday with FIFA betting that the enduring appeal of the greatest footballing show on earth can rise above anger at soaring ticket prices, an uneasy political climate in Donald Trump’s America and the shadow of conflict in the Middle East.
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Norwegian football federation ask FIFA to probe Trump peace prize
The Norwegian Football Federation (NFF) said on Tuesday it had asked FIFA’s ethics committee to look into the world football governing body’s award of a peace prize to US President Donald Trump. FIFA president Gianni Infantino awarded Trump its inaugural peace prize during the December 6 draw for the 2026 World Cup. Later that month, […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
FIFA chief Infantino confirms Iran playing in US at World Cup
FIFA President Gianni Infantino reiterated that Iran will play their World Cup games in the United States as scheduled on Thursday as he kicked off the global football body’s summit in Vancouver. Iran’s participation at this year’s tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States has been shrouded in uncertainty since the eruption of war […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily
Iran prepares for ‘proud and successful participation’
Iran appears to be looking forward to heading to the United States to compete the World Cup, where it will play New Zealand June 15 and Belgium June 21 in Inglewood and Egypt June 26 in Seattle. An Iranian government spokesperson told AP that Team Melli is preparing for “proud and successful participation,” suggesting it values the […]