Gianni Infantino was re-elected as FIFA president until 2027 by a unanimous vote of the 211 federations that make up the organization. After the Congress, he went to the press room and did so in a vindictive manner, questioning the work of journalists.
“Why are they so cruel? We have worked hard, we have not stolen. I am a football administrator and I don’t know why I am criticized,” Infantino ranted.
“We believe that the way we do things is the right way. I don’t talk to you much anyway and that’s why I get these criticisms.
“The main characters are the footballers. You talk about FIFA as an association to create money, business. We defend football and of course we need the money. I get tired of it.”
He continued with his defense of what the organization he presides over does, looking to distance FIFA from the issue in Spain.
“The Premier League is the most successful competition and generates in one year what FIFA generates in four years,” he added.
“There are a couple of differences. The 24 billion it generates is distributed to the 20 English clubs, well done. They play 380 games a year. When FIFA makes a quarter of that money, it goes to the 211 countries around the world.
“That’s why we need the money. We count every dollar and it’s done by external auditors.”
“I don’t understand the constant attack that FIFA is rich. Then the attacks on the FIFA president. I ask you to stick to the facts. Many criticize FIFA to gain audience. you know corruption and so on. We are on the right track. I have received more than 200 letters of approval from the federations. I will not be doing wrong. We are the only organization in the world to eliminate a competition because of covid.”
Infantino on the Negreira case
Barcelona‘s involvement in what could be the biggest scandal to hit Spanish football for many years was the topic of conversation at the FIFA congress.
“The big clubs do a lot for football and not only for their city and their country. We are concerned about what is happening. We are going to analyze everything, for example in Spain, see what happened and what is happening and see how to solve it,” he concluded.
“In Italy, there are also problems. We have to give all of us a positive impulse to see if it is possible to reduce the tension that exists, but we have to find solutions.”
He also spoke about the Vinicius Jr situation, where the Brazilian has been the victim of some disgusting racial abuse.
“All solidarity for Vinicius and the players who have been singled out. With the system, each organizer is responsible for what happens in their competitions, but we provide the players with a system to stop insults on social networks,” he stated.
“Regarding what happens on the pitch, referees have the obligation if there are racist insults. The famous three steps, stop, leave the pitch and if they continue, the match is over. It’s a problem of education and politeness.”
Source: Marca
