FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologized after facing criticism for comments seen as aimed at British fans during the Qatar World Cup.
Infantino’s apology comes months after his original statement drew backlash, with many feeling it unfairly targeted England fans instead of celebrating the tournament’s safety.
Gianni Infantino apologises to British fans after Qatar World Cup remark
Photo by Jamie Sabau – FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images
In an interview with Sky Sports, Infantino admitted his words did not come out as intended and said he wanted to address the response directly.
“I need first to apologise. It was meant to be a light-hearted remark to show that the World Cup in Qatar was a celebration, a peaceful event where everyone came together,” Infantino explained.
“Having English fans – real fans – enjoying and cheering for their team in a peaceful way is something fantastic,” he added.
Infantino clarified that his goal was to highlight the positive atmosphere of the tournament, not to single out any group of supporters.
He framed the apology as a reminder that humour can sometimes be misinterpreted, especially when coming from someone in a position of authority.
What Gianni Infantino said during the Qatar World Cup
The controversial comments were made during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when Infantino commented on security and fan behaviour at the event.
“For the first time in history, no Brit was arrested during a World Cup. Imagine! This is something really special,” he remarked back in 2022.
At the time, he intended to highlight the lack of significant incidents involving fans.
However, the remark faced criticism for reinforcing stereotypes about British fans instead of commending their behaviour. Infantino’s recent apology aims to shift this narrative.
By revisiting his comments, he acknowledged that even jokes can have unintended meanings.
This situation highlights the scrutiny around statements made by FIFA leadership, especially in relation to fan cultures and nationalities.