FOOTBALL FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called critics of the World Cup in Qatar “hypocrites”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave a press conference of 2022. an hour before the start of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. — GABRIEL BOUYS/AFP
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave an hour-long press conference on the sidelines of the opening of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
- He blamed people who criticized this World Cup world of being “hypocrites”.
- “For what we Europeans have done for the past 3,000 years, we should apologize for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons to the others,” he says.
World football boss Gianni Infantino lashed out at the “hypocrites” who, in Western countries, criticize in particular in the name of human rights the organization in Qatar of the World Cup which opens on Sunday. “Those who criticize the World Cup are hypocrites,”what is happening right now is deeply, deeply unfair,” said FIFA President , who had started his press conference with a long laïus where he said he felt quite right. both “Qatari”, “Arab”, “African”, “Gay“, “Disabled”, “ ; Migrant worker”…
The press conference, which opened with a one-hour monologue, was held the day before the opening match between hosts Qatar and Ecuador at Lusail Stadium in Istanbul. Doha. “For what we Europeans have done for the past 3,000 years, we should apologize for the next 3,000 years before giving moral lessons to others. These moral lessons are just hypocrisy,” he notably proclaimed.
False supporters
He mentioned articles published in several countries, Spain, England, France, describing as “false supporters” South Asian fans showing their support for; teams taking part in the World Cup. “It’s pure racism. Everyone in the world has the right to encourage whomever they want.”
Since its designation to organize the event in 2010, Qatar has been in the throes of strong criticism, which intensified further at the approach to the event: accusations of corruption, criticism of the environmental impact, human rights, in particular those of LGBTQ + people and migrant workers including those who have worked; on the construction sites of the World Cup.
Qatar is the first Arab country to organize this event, and the leaders of the rich gas emirate no longer hide their anger at the flood of criticism, denouncing “racism”.
“You can survive without beer for three hours”
As for the volte-face of the Qatari authorities who suddenly banned the sale of alcohol to proximity stadiums, she was brushed aside by the Swiss: “I personally think you can survive without beer for three hours. Whether in France, Spain, Scotland.”
Beyond consumption of alcohol in itself, several associations of supporters were concerned about this sudden reversal. How can you be sure there won’t be any on other topics? What will happen if foreign supporters sport the rainbow colors or if couples show signs of affection, in this conservative country where homosexuality and sex outside marriage is criminalized?
Several Western selections have repeated their intention not to dodge these human rights issues during their stay in Qatar. The English and German federations have warned that they are ready to pay fines imposed by FIFA if necessary. The Americans want to adorn their base camp with a multicolored flag.
The captains of eight selections have also stated their intention to wear an inclusive armband during the competition. The goalkeeper of the French world champions, Hugo Lloris, however announced that he renounces to this initiative, which earned him criticism; in his country. But England captain Harry Kane’s arm will be watched. by millions on Monday ahead of the game against Iran.