FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says that US President Donald Trump has assured to 'allow Iran to participate' at the upcoming Football World Cup 2026. The event is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico from Jun 11 to Jul 19, but Iran's participation is under doubt. Infantino's comments came amid the onoing US-Israel-Iran war which started on Feb 28 and saw Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie dying in strikes. Earlier, Trump had said that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-israel-iran-war-trump-does-not-care-about-iran-s-participation-in-fifa-world-cup-2026-1772615400885">'he doesn't care' if Iran participated</a> in the World Cup or not. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/iran-blames-us-for-coercing-women-footballers-for-australia-asylum-says-who-would-send-team-for-fifa-wc-1773207186035">Iran football federation chief Mehedi Taj also casted doubt</a> the team going to the US for the World Cup.<h2>Will USA President Donald Trump allow Iran to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026?</h2>Ever since the US-Israel-Iran war broke out last month, the Middle Eastern country's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been under a cloud of doubt. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (Mar 11) about the situation, Infantino informed that he "spoke about the current situation in Iran"."During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino said.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/-fund-refunds-and-disciplinary-measures-what-happens-if-iran-pulls-out-of-fifa-world-cup-2026-1773118066659">What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026</a>"We all need an event like the Fifa World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world," he added.<h2>Where is Iran scheduled to play in US during FIFA World Cup 2026?</h2>Iran is placed in Group G of the 48-team event along with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. The Middle Eastern country starts the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on June 15 vs New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Iran next plays Belgium on June 21 at the same venue before facing Egypt in the last group-stage match on June 26 at Lume Field in Seattle, Washington. &nbsp;

Ever since the US-Israel-Iran war broke out last month, the Middle Eastern country's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been under a cloud of doubt. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (Mar 11) about the situation, Infantino informed that he "spoke about the current situation in Iran".

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino says that US President Donald Trump has assured to 'allow Iran to participate' at the upcoming Football World Cup 2026. The event is being co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico from Jun 11 to Jul 19, but Iran's participation is under doubt. Infantino's comments came amid the onoing US-Israel-Iran war which started on Feb 28 and saw Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenie dying in strikes. Earlier, Trump had said that 'he doesn't care' if Iran participated in the World Cup or not. Iran football federation chief Mehedi Taj also casted doubt the team going to the US for the World Cup. Will USA President Donald Trump allow Iran to participate in the FIFA World Cup 2026? Ever since the US-Israel-Iran war broke out last month, the Middle Eastern country's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been under a cloud of doubt. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (Mar 11) about the situation, Infantino informed that he "spoke about the current situation in Iran". "During the discussions, President Trump reiterated that the Iranian team is, of course, welcome to compete in the tournament in the United States," Infantino said. Also Read - What happens if Iran pulls out of FIFA World Cup 2026 "We all need an event like the Fifa World Cup to bring people together now more than ever, and I sincerely thank the president of the United States for his support, as it shows once again that football unites the world," he added. Where is Iran scheduled to play in US during FIFA World Cup 2026? Iran is placed in Group G of the 48-team event along with Belgium, New Zealand, and Egypt. The Middle Eastern country starts the FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign on June 15 vs New Zealand at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, California. Iran next plays Belgium on June 21 at the same venue before facing Egypt in the last group-stage match on June 26 at Lume Field in Seattle, Washington.

Ever since the US-Israel-Iran war broke out last month, the Middle Eastern country's participation in the FIFA World Cup 2026 has been under a cloud of doubt. Taking to Instagram on Wednesday (Mar 11) about the situation, Infantino informed that he "spoke about the current situation in Iran".

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Will Trump allow Iran to come to US? FIFA chief Infantino says 'of course'

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has called for red card for players who cover their mouth during the altercation with oppostion players in the upcoming Football World Cup 2026 which is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 19 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The statement comes amid Gianluca Prestianni of Portugese club Benfica being investigated for alleged racial abuse towards Real Madrid's Vinicious Jr. The incident happend in Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League knockout playoff first leg match. Following this, Prestianni was suspended by UEFA provisionally for one match and didn't take part in the second leg game against the Real Madrid, pending an investigation. If Prestianni is found guilty of charges, he could very well face a 10-match ban, while risking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-prestianni-risks-losing-career-for-benifca-if-racism-charges-against-viini-jr-proven-1772425044692">losing his career with Benfica</a>.Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/us-isreal-iran-war-iran-s-participation-in-fifa-world-cup-2026-unlikely-amid-ongoing-attacks-1772420510367">FIFA WC 2026 | Iran's participation 'unlikely' after US-Israel attacks</a>&nbsp;<h2>Infantino on tackling abuse in FIFA Word Cup 2026</h2>"If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously," Infantino told Sky News on Monday (Mar 2). "There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth. There are situations which we did not foresee [Prestianni case]. Of course, when you deal with a disciplinary case, you have to analyse the situation, you have to have evidence, but we cannot just be satisfied with that going forward," he adeed.<h2>Prestianni denies racism claims</h2>In the aftermath of being accused of racims, Prestianni, after the first leg match, denined all the allegations. Prestianni, three hours after the match, offered a statement on social media and wrote: "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone."Benfica has also released a video of the exact moment Vini Jr ran to referee Francois Letexier to complain. In the video shared by Benfica, who lost the match 0-1, the club says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts.&nbsp;

The statement comes amid Benfica's Prestianni being investigated for alleged racial abuse towards Real Madrid's Vinicious Jr. The incident happend in Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League knockout playoff first leg match. FIFA WC 2026 which is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 19.

FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has called for red card for players who cover their mouth during the altercation with oppostion players in the upcoming Football World Cup 2026 which is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 19 in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. The statement comes amid Gianluca Prestianni of Portugese club Benfica being investigated for alleged racial abuse towards Real Madrid's Vinicious Jr. The incident happend in Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League knockout playoff first leg match. Following this, Prestianni was suspended by UEFA provisionally for one match and didn't take part in the second leg game against the Real Madrid, pending an investigation. If Prestianni is found guilty of charges, he could very well face a 10-match ban, while risking losing his career with Benfica. Also Read - FIFA WC 2026 | Iran's participation 'unlikely' after US-Israel attacks Infantino on tackling abuse in FIFA Word Cup 2026 "If a player covers his mouth and says something, and this has a racist consequence, then he has to be sent off, obviously," Infantino told Sky News on Monday (Mar 2). "There must be a presumption that he has said something he shouldn't have said, otherwise he wouldn't have had to cover his mouth. There are situations which we did not foresee [Prestianni case]. Of course, when you deal with a disciplinary case, you have to analyse the situation, you have to have evidence, but we cannot just be satisfied with that going forward," he adeed. Prestianni denies racism claims In the aftermath of being accused of racims, Prestianni, after the first leg match, denined all the allegations. Prestianni, three hours after the match, offered a statement on social media and wrote: "I want to clarify that at no time did I direct racist insults at Vinícius Júnior; he unfortunately misinterpreted what was said. I have never been racist towards anyone." Benfica has also released a video of the exact moment Vini Jr ran to referee Francois Letexier to complain. In the video shared by Benfica, who lost the match 0-1, the club says nothing could be heard what has been told, alluding to Real Madrid star Vini Jr's claim of being abused with racially charged taunts.

The statement comes amid Benfica's Prestianni being investigated for alleged racial abuse towards Real Madrid's Vinicious Jr. The incident happend in Real Madrid vs Benfica Champions League knockout playoff first leg match. FIFA WC 2026 which is scheduled to be played from Jun 11 to Jul 19

Football World Cup 2026 | 'To be sent off': FIFA boss Infantino on players covering mouth during argument in tournament

World'd football governing organization FIFA has pledged $50 million to build a new soccer stadium in Gaza. The announcement came during the inaugural meeting of US preisdent Donlad Trump's Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday (Feb 19). Gaza has been left in rubble after two years of fighting with Israel. The world has come together to rebuild it and the FIFA is playing its part by making 'football a universal language,' as per FIFA president Gianni Infantino.<h2>FIFA pledges $50 million for new soccer stadium in Gaza</h2>"We don't have to just rebuild houses or schools or hospitals or roads," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. "We also have to rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust. And this is what football, my sport, is about."Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/winter-olympics-2026-alysa-liu-wins-usa-s-first-women-s-figure-skating-gold-in-over-two-decades-1771547198915">Winter Olympics 2026 | Liu wins USA's 1st women's figure skating gold since 2002</a>The new stadium will have a holding capacity of 20,000-25,000 fans, and the organisation also promised to build a $15 million FIFA academy separately as well as 50 'mini arena pitches' for an extra $2.5 million and five full-sized fields worth $1 million each."Football, or soccer, as it is called here, is the world's universal language," Infantino said. "It's about hope. It's about joy. It's about happiness. It's about coming together. It's about uniting the world."<h2>Palestine in FIFA World Cup 2026</h2>Palestine national team, which represents Gaza and West Bank together, was recognized by FIFA in 1998 but has never been able to qualify for the main event.The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico across 16 venues with 11 of them being in the USA. Canada and Mexico will be hosting 13 matches each in the tournament while the USA will be the home for 78 matches including the final.

The organisation also promised to build a $15 million FIFA academy separately as well as 50 'mini arena pitches' for an extra $2.5 million and five full-sized fields worth $1 million each. Palestine national team, which represents Gaza and West Bank together, was recognized by FIFA in 1998.

World'd football governing organization FIFA has pledged $50 million to build a new soccer stadium in Gaza. The announcement came during the inaugural meeting of US preisdent Donlad Trump's Board of Peace in Washington on Thursday (Feb 19). Gaza has been left in rubble after two years of fighting with Israel. The world has come together to rebuild it and the FIFA is playing its part by making 'football a universal language,' as per FIFA president Gianni Infantino. FIFA pledges $50 million for new soccer stadium in Gaza "We don't have to just rebuild houses or schools or hospitals or roads," said FIFA president Gianni Infantino. "We also have to rebuild and build people, emotion, hope and trust. And this is what football, my sport, is about." Also Read - Winter Olympics 2026 | Liu wins USA's 1st women's figure skating gold since 2002 The new stadium will have a holding capacity of 20,000-25,000 fans, and the organisation also promised to build a $15 million FIFA academy separately as well as 50 'mini arena pitches' for an extra $2.5 million and five full-sized fields worth $1 million each. "Football, or soccer, as it is called here, is the world's universal language," Infantino said. "It's about hope. It's about joy. It's about happiness. It's about coming together. It's about uniting the world." Palestine in FIFA World Cup 2026 Palestine national team, which represents Gaza and West Bank together, was recognized by FIFA in 1998 but has never been able to qualify for the main event. The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be played from June 11 to July 19 in the USA, Canada, and Mexico across 16 venues with 11 of them being in the USA. Canada and Mexico will be hosting 13 matches each in the tournament while the USA will be the home for 78 matches including the final.

The organisation also promised to build a $15 million FIFA academy separately as well as 50 'mini arena pitches' for an extra $2.5 million and five full-sized fields worth $1 million each. Palestine national team, which represents Gaza and West Bank together, was recognized by FIFA in 1998.

'It is about hope': FIFA vows $50 million for new football stadium in Gaza during inaugural Board of Peace meeting

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended his controversial decision to award a peace prize to United States president Donald Trump as he dismissed calls for a World Cup boycott. Infantino was widely criticised for giving Trump the honour on behalf of his governing body at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC in December. The move drew further scrutiny after US forces seized Venezuelan president Miguel Maduro, while Trump caused more controversy with his desire to acquire Greenland for national security reasons.Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/serie-a-inter-milan-fans-throw-flares-hit-cremonese-goalkeeper-watch-1770002940980">Serie A | WATCH - Inter Milan fans throw flares, hit Cremonese goalkeeper</a>However, Infantino insisted Trump was deserving of FIFA's inaugural peace prize, telling Sky News on Monday: "Objectively, he deserves it."Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it, and for this reason, for some time we were thinking we should do something to reward people who do something."Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 -- due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration.There has been unrest in a number of US cities, most notably Minneapolis, over the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement.But FIFA president Infantino said there were never calls for businesses to boycott a country, "so why football?"The 55-year-old added: "In our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion (for football)."Infantino also said FIFA and UEFA -- European football's governing body -- would "have to" look at allowing Russia back into international action.Russia has been banned since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but the International Olympic Committee has now recommended sports federations allow Russian teams to compete at youth level."We have to (look at readmitting Russia). Definitely," Infantino said."This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred."Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help."

Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 -- due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino defended his controversial decision to award a peace prize to United States president Donald Trump as he dismissed calls for a World Cup boycott. Infantino was widely criticised for giving Trump the honour on behalf of his governing body at the 2026 World Cup draw in Washington DC in December. The move drew further scrutiny after US forces seized Venezuelan president Miguel Maduro, while Trump caused more controversy with his desire to acquire Greenland for national security reasons. Also Read: Serie A | WATCH - Inter Milan fans throw flares, hit Cremonese goalkeeper However, Infantino insisted Trump was deserving of FIFA's inaugural peace prize, telling Sky News on Monday: "Objectively, he deserves it. "Whatever we can do to help peace in the world, we should be doing it, and for this reason, for some time we were thinking we should do something to reward people who do something." Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 -- due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration. There has been unrest in a number of US cities, most notably Minneapolis, over the Trump administration's approach to immigration enforcement. But FIFA president Infantino said there were never calls for businesses to boycott a country, "so why football?" The 55-year-old added: "In our divided world, in our aggressive world, we need occasions where people can come, can meet around the passion (for football)." Infantino also said FIFA and UEFA -- European football's governing body -- would "have to" look at allowing Russia back into international action. Russia has been banned since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, but the International Olympic Committee has now recommended sports federations allow Russian teams to compete at youth level. "We have to (look at readmitting Russia). Definitely," Infantino said. "This ban has not achieved anything, it has just created more frustration and hatred. "Having girls and boys from Russia being able to play football games in other parts of Europe would help."

Infantino rejected suggestions there might be a boycott of this year's World Cup -- to be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 -- due to policies adopted at home and abroad by the Trump administration.

FIFA World Cup 2026 | Infantino defends giving peace prize to US president Trump

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised football’s magic at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting the game’s power. Speaking on the penultimate day of the WEF, Infantino reckons football has transformed people’s lives around the globe as it brings the community together. During the summit, 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also reflected on football’s role.<h2>Infantino praises football's magic globally</h2>"This is a magic instrument (while holding a football) that transforms people into happy people. This is what this strange instrument does. And children, the children's faces become happy and adults become children and they start playing, passing the ball. This is fantastic, this is beautiful and this is something that we are forgetting,” FIFA President Infantino said at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos on Thursday.&nbsp;“Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, in these particular times we forget to be happy, to be joyful. Everyone has their own problems, issues in life and with football, we want to give to communities all over the world. FIFA has 211 countries that are members of FIFA. We want to give them a moment of joy and happiness. When a child kicks a ball, when an adult kicks a ball, they don't think about their issues and their problems in life and we have to always remember that," Infantino added.&nbsp;The FIFA president reckons that the upcoming FIFA World Cup is a huge economic booster, with an estimated $80 billion turnaround. He also underlined that the FIFA World Cup will create thousands of job opportunities for the community.&nbsp;Del Piero spoke about the role football played in his life growing up and how winning the FIFA World Cup with his country in 2006 made him feel complete not only as a footballer but also as a human being.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/meet-indians-to-score-most-runs-in-each-of-last-5-t20-world-cups-ft-virat-kohli-kl-rahul-rohit-sharma-2026-t20-world-cup-1768479871185">Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli</a>&nbsp;"It's not very difficult, but we probably need more time to explain how big lifting the trophy and winning the World Cup means to me, to every football player, I guess. I mean, first of all, you feel complete. You feel complete as a footballer, of course, and also as a human being,” Del Piero said during his address.&nbsp;“I say both because, you know, I started playing because I had a passion for football. My only focus was playing football, even though I have to say that I needed to go to school and be a good student, and blah, blah, blah--but yeah, it's part of the journey. Football was always in my mind: trying to become a football player, but also just enjoying it. And then, as soon as you grow up, you understand, of course, different things," the former Juventus attacker said.&nbsp;Wenger explained that football has grown enormously since the first World Cup, expanding from a small, Europe-South America-focused competition into a truly global sport.&nbsp;ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/from-chris-gayle-to-brendon-mccullum-5-batters-to-score-fastest-t20-world-cup-hundreds-rilee-rossouw-ahmed-shehzad-1768553361691">From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds</a>&nbsp;“100 years ago, you had 13 teams playing in the first World Cup and it shows football's development. I'm now in football development and I realize how big football has become in the world. When you speak about the number of tickets people want, you cannot imagine,” Wenger said during his address.&nbsp;“I travel all over the world and football has become the most important thing people talk about. And to me, for a long time, it was a confidential competition between Europe and South America. We had to open it to the world and I think the minimum we could do is to open it to more African countries, more Asian countries. Because you want football to be strong everywhere," Wenger stated.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reckons that the upcoming FIFA World Cup is a huge economic booster, with an estimated $80 billion turnaround. He also underlined that the FIFA World Cup will create thousands of job opportunities for the community.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised football’s magic at the World Economic Forum (WEF) summit in Davos, Switzerland, highlighting the game’s power. Speaking on the penultimate day of the WEF, Infantino reckons football has transformed people’s lives around the globe as it brings the community together. During the summit, 2006 FIFA World Cup winner Alessandro Del Piero and former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger also reflected on football’s role. Infantino praises football's magic globally "This is a magic instrument (while holding a football) that transforms people into happy people. This is what this strange instrument does. And children, the children's faces become happy and adults become children and they start playing, passing the ball. This is fantastic, this is beautiful and this is something that we are forgetting,” FIFA President Infantino said at the World Economic Forum summit in Davos on Thursday. “Dear friends, ladies and gentlemen, in these particular times we forget to be happy, to be joyful. Everyone has their own problems, issues in life and with football, we want to give to communities all over the world. FIFA has 211 countries that are members of FIFA. We want to give them a moment of joy and happiness. When a child kicks a ball, when an adult kicks a ball, they don't think about their issues and their problems in life and we have to always remember that," Infantino added. The FIFA president reckons that the upcoming FIFA World Cup is a huge economic booster, with an estimated $80 billion turnaround. He also underlined that the FIFA World Cup will create thousands of job opportunities for the community. Del Piero spoke about the role football played in his life growing up and how winning the FIFA World Cup with his country in 2006 made him feel complete not only as a footballer but also as a human being. ALSO READ | Meet Indians to score most runs in each of last 5 T20 World Cups ft Virat Kohli "It's not very difficult, but we probably need more time to explain how big lifting the trophy and winning the World Cup means to me, to every football player, I guess. I mean, first of all, you feel complete. You feel complete as a footballer, of course, and also as a human being,” Del Piero said during his address. “I say both because, you know, I started playing because I had a passion for football. My only focus was playing football, even though I have to say that I needed to go to school and be a good student, and blah, blah, blah--but yeah, it's part of the journey. Football was always in my mind: trying to become a football player, but also just enjoying it. And then, as soon as you grow up, you understand, of course, different things," the former Juventus attacker said. Wenger explained that football has grown enormously since the first World Cup, expanding from a small, Europe-South America-focused competition into a truly global sport. ALSO READ | From Chris Gayle to Brendon McCullum, 5 batters to score fastest T20 World Cup hundreds “100 years ago, you had 13 teams playing in the first World Cup and it shows football's development. I'm now in football development and I realize how big football has become in the world. When you speak about the number of tickets people want, you cannot imagine,” Wenger said during his address. “I travel all over the world and football has become the most important thing people talk about. And to me, for a long time, it was a confidential competition between Europe and South America. We had to open it to the world and I think the minimum we could do is to open it to more African countries, more Asian countries. Because you want football to be strong everywhere," Wenger stated.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino reckons that the upcoming FIFA World Cup is a huge economic booster, with an estimated $80 billion turnaround. He also underlined that the FIFA World Cup will create thousands of job opportunities for the community.

Davos 2026: FIFA President Gianni Infantino praises football's magic globally, says 'it transforms people's life'

The group stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was officially announced during an extravagant final draw ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on Friday (December 5). Exciting matchups include Brazil vs. Morocco, the Netherlands facing Japan, and a highly anticipated rematch between France and Senegal, the team that stunned them in the 2002 World Cup. There will also be thrilling encounters for first-time World Cup participants Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, who will take on powerhouse teams like Spain, Germany, Argentina, and Portugal. Additionally, Mexico and South Africa will kick off the tournament in Mexico City on June 11, 2026.&nbsp;The next key moment on the road to the 2026 World Cup will be the official release of the full match schedule on Saturday (December 6), which will include details on venues and kick-off times for all 104 games. This will be unveiled live on FIFA.com. The draw itself was conducted by Rio Ferdinand, the former England captain, with help from sports legends such as Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal. The event was hosted by Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and Danny Ramirez, and featured stunning performances from Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Lauryn Hill, and the Village People.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/gianni-infantino-presents-us-president-donald-trump-with-fifa-peace-award-1764956385727">Gianni Infantino presents US President Donald Trump with FIFA Peace Award</a><h2>Here is the final list for the group stage</h2>Group A: Mexico; South Africa; Republic of Korea; UEFA Play-off D winnerGroup B: Canada; UEFA Play-off A winner; Qatar; SwitzerlandGroup C: Brazil; Morocco; Haiti; Scotland&nbsp;Group D: USA; Paraguay; Australia; UEFA Play-off C winnerGroup E: Germany; Curacao; Côte d’Ivoire; EcuadorGroup F: Netherlands; Japan; UEFA Play-off B winner; Tunisia&nbsp;Group G: Belgium; Egypt; Islamic Republic of Iran; New ZealandGroup H: Spain; Cabo Verde; Saudi Arabia; Uruguay&nbsp;Group I: France; Senegal; FIFA Play-off 2 winner; NorwayGroup J: Argentina; Algeria; Austria; Jordan&nbsp;Group K: Portugal; FIFA Play-off 1 winner; Uzbekistan; Colombia&nbsp;Group L: England; Croatia; Ghana; Panama<h2>How many teams will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup?</h2>A total of 48 countries will battle it out to lift the prestigious trophy. Argentina are the defending champions after they beat France in the 2022 World Cup in a penalty shoot-out after the match ended 3-3 in regulation time. The tournament will have a total of 104 matches, which will be played across three countries — the USA, Canada and Mexico. Notably, it is for the first time that the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries.<h2>What are the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup?</h2>Thursday, 11 June 2026Match 1 - Group A (Mexico #1) – Estadio Azteca Mexico City Match 2 – Group A - Estadio GuadalajaraFriday, 12 June 2026Match 3 - Group B (Canada #1) – Toronto Stadium Match 4 - Group D (USA #1) – Los Angeles StadiumSaturday, 13 June 2026Match 5 – Group C - Boston Stadium Match 6 – Group D - BC Place Vancouver Match 7 – Group C - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 8 – Group B - San Francisco Bay Area StadiumSunday, 14 June 2026Match 9 – Group E - Philadelphia Stadium Match 10 – Group E - Houston Stadium Match 11 – Group F - Dallas Stadium Match 12 – Group F - Estadio MonterreyMonday, 15 June 2026Match 13 – Group H - Miami Stadium Match 14 – Group H - Atlanta Stadium Match 15 – Group G - Los Angeles Stadium Match 16 – Group G - Seattle StadiumTuesday, 16 June 2026Match 17 – Group I - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 18 – Group I - Boston Stadium Match 19 – Group J - Kansas City Stadium Match 20 – Group J - San Francisco Bay Area StadiumWednesday, 17 June 2026Match 21 – Group L - Toronto Stadium Match 22 – Group L - Dallas Stadium Match 23 – Group K - Houston Stadium Match 24 – Group K - Estadio Azteca Mexico CityThursday, 18 June 2026Match 25 – Group A - Atlanta Stadium Match 26 – Group B - Los Angeles Stadium Match 27 - Group B - (Canada #2) – BC Place Vancouver Match 28 - Group A - (Mexico #2) – Estadio GuadalajaraFriday, 19 June 2026Match 29 – Group C - Philadelphia Stadium Match 30 – Group C - Boston Stadium Match 31 – Group D - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Match 32 - Group D (USA #2) – Seattle StadiumSaturday, 20 June 2026Match 33 – Group E - Toronto Stadium Match 34 – Group E - Kansas City Stadium Match 35 – Group F - Houston Stadium Match 36 – Group F - Estadio MonterreySunday, 21 June 2026Match 37 – Group H - Miami Stadium Match 38 – Group H - Atlanta Stadium Match 39 – Group G - Los Angeles Stadium Match 40 – Group G - BC Place VancouverMonday, 22 June 2026Match 41 – Group I - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 42 – Group I - Philadelphia Stadium Match 43 – Group J - Dallas Stadium Match 44 – Group J - San Francisco Bay Area StadiumTuesday, 23 June 2026Match 45 – Group L - Boston Stadium Match 46 – Group L - Toronto Stadium Match 47 – Group K - Houston Stadium Match 48 – Group K - Estadio GuadalajaraWednesday, 24 June 2026Match 49 – Group C - Miami Stadium Match 50 – Group C - Atlanta Stadium Match 51 - Group B (Canada #3) – BC Place Vancouver Match 52 – Group B - Seattle Stadium Match 53 - Group A - (Mexico #3) – Estadio Azteca Mexico City Match 54 – Group A - Estadio MonterreyThursday, 25 June 2026Match 55 – Group E - Philadelphia Stadium Match 56 – Group E - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 57 – Group F - Dallas Stadium Match 58 – Group F - Kansas City Stadium Match 59 - Group D - (USA #3) – Los Angeles Stadium Match 60 – Group D - San Francisco Bay Area StadiumFriday, 26 June 2026Match 61 – Group I - Boston Stadium Match 62 – Group I - Toronto Stadium Match 63 – Group G - Seattle Stadium Match 64 – Group G - BC Place Vancouver Match 65 – Group H - Houston Stadium Match 66 – Group H - Estadio GuadalajaraSaturday, 27 June 2026Match 67 – Group L - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 68 – Group L - Philadelphia Stadium Match 69 – Group J - Kansas City Stadium Match 70 – Group J - Dallas Stadium Match 71 – Group K - Miami Stadium Match 72 – Group K - Atlanta Stadium<h2>FIFA World Cup 26 – Round of 32 fixtures</h2>Sunday, 28 June 2026Match 73 – Group A runners-up v Group B runners-up - Los Angeles StadiumMonday, 29 June 2026Match 74 – Group E winners v Group A/B/C/D/F third place - Boston Stadium Match 75 – Group F winners v Group C runners-up - Estadio Monterrey Match 76 – Group C winners v Group F runners-up - Houston StadiumTuesday, 30 June 2026Match 77 – Group I winners v Group C/D/F/G/H third place - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 78 – Group E runners up v Group I runners-up - Dallas Stadium Match 79 – Group A winners v Group C/E/F/H/I third place - Estadio Azteca Mexico CityWednesday, 1 July 2026Match 80 – Group L winners v Group E/H/I/J/K third place - Atlanta Stadium Match 81 – Group D winners v Group B/E/F/I/J third place - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Match 82 – Group G winners v Group A/E/H/I/J third place - Seattle StadiumThursday, 2 July 2026Match 83 – Group K runners-up v Group L runners-up - Toronto Stadium Match 84 – Group H winners v Group J runners-up - Los Angeles Stadium Match 85 – Group B winners v Group E/F/G/I/J third place - BC Place VancouverFriday, 3 July 2026Match 86 – Group J winners v Group H runners-up - Miami Stadium Match 87 – Group K winners v Group D/E/I/J/L third place - Kansas City Stadium Match 88 – Group D runners-up v Group G runners-up - Dallas Stadium<h2>FIFA World Cup 26 Round of 16 fixtures</h2>Saturday, 4 July 2026Match 89 – Winner match 74 v Winner match 77 - Philadelphia Stadium Match 90 – Winner match 73 v Winner match 75 - Houston StadiumSunday, 5 July 2026Match 91 – Winner match 76 v Winner match 78 - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 92 – Winner match 79 v Winner match 80 - Estadio Azteca Mexico CityMonday, 6 July 2026Match 93 – Winner match 83 v Winner match 84 - Dallas Stadium Match 94 – Winner match 81 v Winner match 82 - Seattle StadiumTuesday, 7 July 2026Match 95 – Winner match 86 v Winner match 88 - Atlanta Stadium Match 96 – Winner match 85 v Winner match 87 - BC Place Vancouver<h2>FIFA World Cup 26 quarter-final fixtures</h2>Thursday, 9 July 2026Match 97 – Winner match 89 v Winner match 90 - Boston StadiumFriday, 10 July 2026Match 98 – Winner match 93 v Winner match 94 - Los Angeles StadiumSaturday, 11 July 2026Match 99 – Winner match 91 v Winner match 92 - Miami Stadium Match 100 – Winner match 95 v Winner match 96 - Kansas City Stadium<h2>FIFA World Cup 26 semi-final fixtures</h2>Tuesday, 14 July 2026Match 101 – Winner match 97 v Winner match 98 - Dallas StadiumWednesday, 15 July 2026Match 102 – Winner match 99 v Winner match 100 - Atlanta Stadium<h2>FIFA World Cup 26 bronze final</h2>Saturday, 18 July 2026Match 103 – Loser match 101 v Loser match 102 - Miami Stadium<h2>FIFA World Cup 26 Final</h2>Sunday, 19 July 2026Match 104 – Winner match 101 v Winner match 102 - New York New Jersey Stadium

FIFA World Cup draw 2026: South Africa to take on Mexico in opening mach. Check all teams, groups, key games, schedule and dates. Full list here

The group stage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup was officially announced during an extravagant final draw ceremony at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts in Washington, DC on Friday (December 5). Exciting matchups include Brazil vs. Morocco, the Netherlands facing Japan, and a highly anticipated rematch between France and Senegal, the team that stunned them in the 2002 World Cup. There will also be thrilling encounters for first-time World Cup participants Cabo Verde, Curaçao, Jordan, and Uzbekistan, who will take on powerhouse teams like Spain, Germany, Argentina, and Portugal. Additionally, Mexico and South Africa will kick off the tournament in Mexico City on June 11, 2026. The next key moment on the road to the 2026 World Cup will be the official release of the full match schedule on Saturday (December 6), which will include details on venues and kick-off times for all 104 games. This will be unveiled live on FIFA.com. The draw itself was conducted by Rio Ferdinand, the former England captain, with help from sports legends such as Tom Brady, Wayne Gretzky, Aaron Judge, and Shaquille O’Neal. The event was hosted by Kevin Hart, Heidi Klum, and Danny Ramirez, and featured stunning performances from Andrea Bocelli, Robbie Williams, Nicole Scherzinger, Lauryn Hill, and the Village People. Also Read: Gianni Infantino presents US President Donald Trump with FIFA Peace Award Here is the final list for the group stage Group A: Mexico; South Africa; Republic of Korea; UEFA Play-off D winner Group B: Canada; UEFA Play-off A winner; Qatar; Switzerland Group C: Brazil; Morocco; Haiti; Scotland Group D: USA; Paraguay; Australia; UEFA Play-off C winner Group E: Germany; Curacao; Côte d’Ivoire; Ecuador Group F: Netherlands; Japan; UEFA Play-off B winner; Tunisia Group G: Belgium; Egypt; Islamic Republic of Iran; New Zealand Group H: Spain; Cabo Verde; Saudi Arabia; Uruguay Group I: France; Senegal; FIFA Play-off 2 winner; Norway Group J: Argentina; Algeria; Austria; Jordan Group K: Portugal; FIFA Play-off 1 winner; Uzbekistan; Colombia Group L: England; Croatia; Ghana; Panama How many teams will take part in the 2026 FIFA World Cup? A total of 48 countries will battle it out to lift the prestigious trophy. Argentina are the defending champions after they beat France in the 2022 World Cup in a penalty shoot-out after the match ended 3-3 in regulation time. The tournament will have a total of 104 matches, which will be played across three countries — the USA, Canada and Mexico. Notably, it is for the first time that the FIFA World Cup will be hosted by three countries. What are the venues for the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Thursday, 11 June 2026 Match 1 - Group A (Mexico #1) – Estadio Azteca Mexico City Match 2 – Group A - Estadio Guadalajara Friday, 12 June 2026 Match 3 - Group B (Canada #1) – Toronto Stadium Match 4 - Group D (USA #1) – Los Angeles Stadium Saturday, 13 June 2026 Match 5 – Group C - Boston Stadium Match 6 – Group D - BC Place Vancouver Match 7 – Group C - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 8 – Group B - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Sunday, 14 June 2026 Match 9 – Group E - Philadelphia Stadium Match 10 – Group E - Houston Stadium Match 11 – Group F - Dallas Stadium Match 12 – Group F - Estadio Monterrey Monday, 15 June 2026 Match 13 – Group H - Miami Stadium Match 14 – Group H - Atlanta Stadium Match 15 – Group G - Los Angeles Stadium Match 16 – Group G - Seattle Stadium Tuesday, 16 June 2026 Match 17 – Group I - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 18 – Group I - Boston Stadium Match 19 – Group J - Kansas City Stadium Match 20 – Group J - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Wednesday, 17 June 2026 Match 21 – Group L - Toronto Stadium Match 22 – Group L - Dallas Stadium Match 23 – Group K - Houston Stadium Match 24 – Group K - Estadio Azteca Mexico City Thursday, 18 June 2026 Match 25 – Group A - Atlanta Stadium Match 26 – Group B - Los Angeles Stadium Match 27 - Group B - (Canada #2) – BC Place Vancouver Match 28 - Group A - (Mexico #2) – Estadio Guadalajara Friday, 19 June 2026 Match 29 – Group C - Philadelphia Stadium Match 30 – Group C - Boston Stadium Match 31 – Group D - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Match 32 - Group D (USA #2) – Seattle Stadium Saturday, 20 June 2026 Match 33 – Group E - Toronto Stadium Match 34 – Group E - Kansas City Stadium Match 35 – Group F - Houston Stadium Match 36 – Group F - Estadio Monterrey Sunday, 21 June 2026 Match 37 – Group H - Miami Stadium Match 38 – Group H - Atlanta Stadium Match 39 – Group G - Los Angeles Stadium Match 40 – Group G - BC Place Vancouver Monday, 22 June 2026 Match 41 – Group I - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 42 – Group I - Philadelphia Stadium Match 43 – Group J - Dallas Stadium Match 44 – Group J - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Tuesday, 23 June 2026 Match 45 – Group L - Boston Stadium Match 46 – Group L - Toronto Stadium Match 47 – Group K - Houston Stadium Match 48 – Group K - Estadio Guadalajara Wednesday, 24 June 2026 Match 49 – Group C - Miami Stadium Match 50 – Group C - Atlanta Stadium Match 51 - Group B (Canada #3) – BC Place Vancouver Match 52 – Group B - Seattle Stadium Match 53 - Group A - (Mexico #3) – Estadio Azteca Mexico City Match 54 – Group A - Estadio Monterrey Thursday, 25 June 2026 Match 55 – Group E - Philadelphia Stadium Match 56 – Group E - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 57 – Group F - Dallas Stadium Match 58 – Group F - Kansas City Stadium Match 59 - Group D - (USA #3) – Los Angeles Stadium Match 60 – Group D - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Friday, 26 June 2026 Match 61 – Group I - Boston Stadium Match 62 – Group I - Toronto Stadium Match 63 – Group G - Seattle Stadium Match 64 – Group G - BC Place Vancouver Match 65 – Group H - Houston Stadium Match 66 – Group H - Estadio Guadalajara Saturday, 27 June 2026 Match 67 – Group L - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 68 – Group L - Philadelphia Stadium Match 69 – Group J - Kansas City Stadium Match 70 – Group J - Dallas Stadium Match 71 – Group K - Miami Stadium Match 72 – Group K - Atlanta Stadium FIFA World Cup 26 – Round of 32 fixtures Sunday, 28 June 2026 Match 73 – Group A runners-up v Group B runners-up - Los Angeles Stadium Monday, 29 June 2026 Match 74 – Group E winners v Group A/B/C/D/F third place - Boston Stadium Match 75 – Group F winners v Group C runners-up - Estadio Monterrey Match 76 – Group C winners v Group F runners-up - Houston Stadium Tuesday, 30 June 2026 Match 77 – Group I winners v Group C/D/F/G/H third place - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 78 – Group E runners up v Group I runners-up - Dallas Stadium Match 79 – Group A winners v Group C/E/F/H/I third place - Estadio Azteca Mexico City Wednesday, 1 July 2026 Match 80 – Group L winners v Group E/H/I/J/K third place - Atlanta Stadium Match 81 – Group D winners v Group B/E/F/I/J third place - San Francisco Bay Area Stadium Match 82 – Group G winners v Group A/E/H/I/J third place - Seattle Stadium Thursday, 2 July 2026 Match 83 – Group K runners-up v Group L runners-up - Toronto Stadium Match 84 – Group H winners v Group J runners-up - Los Angeles Stadium Match 85 – Group B winners v Group E/F/G/I/J third place - BC Place Vancouver Friday, 3 July 2026 Match 86 – Group J winners v Group H runners-up - Miami Stadium Match 87 – Group K winners v Group D/E/I/J/L third place - Kansas City Stadium Match 88 – Group D runners-up v Group G runners-up - Dallas Stadium FIFA World Cup 26 Round of 16 fixtures Saturday, 4 July 2026 Match 89 – Winner match 74 v Winner match 77 - Philadelphia Stadium Match 90 – Winner match 73 v Winner match 75 - Houston Stadium Sunday, 5 July 2026 Match 91 – Winner match 76 v Winner match 78 - New York New Jersey Stadium Match 92 – Winner match 79 v Winner match 80 - Estadio Azteca Mexico City Monday, 6 July 2026 Match 93 – Winner match 83 v Winner match 84 - Dallas Stadium Match 94 – Winner match 81 v Winner match 82 - Seattle Stadium Tuesday, 7 July 2026 Match 95 – Winner match 86 v Winner match 88 - Atlanta Stadium Match 96 – Winner match 85 v Winner match 87 - BC Place Vancouver FIFA World Cup 26 quarter-final fixtures Thursday, 9 July 2026 Match 97 – Winner match 89 v Winner match 90 - Boston Stadium Friday, 10 July 2026 Match 98 – Winner match 93 v Winner match 94 - Los Angeles Stadium Saturday, 11 July 2026 Match 99 – Winner match 91 v Winner match 92 - Miami Stadium Match 100 – Winner match 95 v Winner match 96 - Kansas City Stadium FIFA World Cup 26 semi-final fixtures Tuesday, 14 July 2026 Match 101 – Winner match 97 v Winner match 98 - Dallas Stadium Wednesday, 15 July 2026 Match 102 – Winner match 99 v Winner match 100 - Atlanta Stadium FIFA World Cup 26 bronze final Saturday, 18 July 2026 Match 103 – Loser match 101 v Loser match 102 - Miami Stadium FIFA World Cup 26 Final Sunday, 19 July 2026 Match 104 – Winner match 101 v Winner match 102 - New York New Jersey Stadium

The draw for the FIFA World Cup took place on Friday (December 5). In the opening match of the prestigious tournament, South Africa will take on Mexico. A total of 48 will be taking part in the event

At the 2026 World Cup draw taking place in Washington, DC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize to his “close friend” Donald Trump. The award was given about 30 minutes into the high-profile ceremony at the Kennedy Center, before teams for next summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico are going to be selected.&nbsp;&nbsp;Trump, standing beside Infantino, called the honour “one of the greatest of my life,” adding that their efforts had “saved millions and millions of lives.” The prize, announced by FIFA last month without approval from its governing FIFA Council, was created to recognise individuals whose extraordinary contributions to peace have brought people together worldwide, according to FIFA.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ipl-2026-riyan-parag-more-than-ready-for-captaining-rajasthan-royals-if-offered-1764945780791">IPL 2026: Riyan Parag 'more than ready' for captaining Rajasthan Royals if offered</a>&nbsp;“A leader must care about the well-being of peoples, we want to unite peoples and Mr. President, you deserve this first prize for what you have accomplished and achieved. And you can always count on my support and that of the football community,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino was quoted as saying after handing the award to Trump.&nbsp;Donald Trump has maintained a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and received a special award two months after being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize. Recently, FIFA further cemented its connection with US President Donald Trump by appointing his daughter, Ivanka, to the board of a $100 million educational initiative partly funded by ticket sales from the 2026 World Cup. In its announcement of the new award, FIFA stated that it would be presented annually to individuals whose dedicated actions have significantly contributed to bringing people together in peace, deserving of unique and exceptional recognition. The US president thanked his family, including his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and appreciated the leaders of the other two host countries, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in his brief speech.

Gianni Infantino presents US President Donald Trump with FIFA Peace Award

At the 2026 World Cup draw taking place in Washington, DC, FIFA President Gianni Infantino presented the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize to his “close friend” Donald Trump. The award was given about 30 minutes into the high-profile ceremony at the Kennedy Center, before teams for next summer’s World Cup in the US, Canada, and Mexico are going to be selected. Trump, standing beside Infantino, called the honour “one of the greatest of my life,” adding that their efforts had “saved millions and millions of lives.” The prize, announced by FIFA last month without approval from its governing FIFA Council, was created to recognise individuals whose extraordinary contributions to peace have brought people together worldwide, according to FIFA. Also Read: IPL 2026: Riyan Parag 'more than ready' for captaining Rajasthan Royals if offered “A leader must care about the well-being of peoples, we want to unite peoples and Mr. President, you deserve this first prize for what you have accomplished and achieved. And you can always count on my support and that of the football community,” FIFA president Gianni Infantino was quoted as saying after handing the award to Trump. Donald Trump has maintained a close relationship with FIFA President Gianni Infantino, and received a special award two months after being overlooked for the Nobel Peace Prize. Recently, FIFA further cemented its connection with US President Donald Trump by appointing his daughter, Ivanka, to the board of a $100 million educational initiative partly funded by ticket sales from the 2026 World Cup. In its announcement of the new award, FIFA stated that it would be presented annually to individuals whose dedicated actions have significantly contributed to bringing people together in peace, deserving of unique and exceptional recognition. The US president thanked his family, including his wife, first lady Melania Trump, and appreciated the leaders of the other two host countries, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, in his brief speech.

FIFA’s Gianni Infantino awards Donald Trump the inaugural Peace Prize at the 2026 World Cup draw, honouring his claimed global peace efforts

FIFA has announced a new annual award called the FIFA Peace Prize, which will be awarded for the first time at the 2026 World Cup fixture in Washington DC on Dec 5 (Friday). The award will be handed by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The FIFA president said that the football sends a message of peace and this award will honour people who use the sport to unite people together and inspire future generations.&nbsp;"Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize -- Football Unites the World will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wpl-s-lucky-charm-only-player-to-win-two-titles-with-two-teams-in-two-seasons-has-played-only-1-match-in-league-1762495415916">WPL's lucky charm? Only player to win two titles with two teams in two seasons</a><h2>Is US President Donald Trump going to receive it?&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;FIFA President Infantino and US President Donald Trump have a strong bond between them and appeared together at several events since the United States have won the rights to host the 2026 World Cup. Infantino openly spoke about his good relations with President Trump and said that he consider him as his close friend.&nbsp;“We have a great relationship, I'm really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, where I consider him a really close friend”, said Infantino.&nbsp;Also Read - <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fide-world-cup-2025-vidit-gujrathi-ends-12-year-old-faustino-oro-s-dream-run-pranav-pranesh-and-praggnanandhaa-also-advance-1762439409164">FIDE World Cup 2025: Vidit ends 12-year-old Faustino Oro’s dream run; Pranav, Pranesh and Praggnanandhaa also advance</a>&nbsp;FIFA has also strengthened its connection with Trump’s family by appointing his daughter Ivanka to the board of a $100 million education project funded partly through 2026 World Cup ticket revenue.&nbsp;&nbsp;However, FIFA has not yet revealed who will receive the first Peace Prize and Infantino also did not confirm whether Trump will be the winner or not.

US President Donald Trump missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize last month, which was awarded to Venezuela's Maria Corina Machado.

FIFA has announced a new annual award called the FIFA Peace Prize, which will be awarded for the first time at the 2026 World Cup fixture in Washington DC on Dec 5 (Friday). The award will be handed by the FIFA president Gianni Infantino. The FIFA president said that the football sends a message of peace and this award will honour people who use the sport to unite people together and inspire future generations. "Football stands for peace, and on behalf of the entire global football community, the FIFA Peace Prize -- Football Unites the World will recognise the enormous efforts of those individuals who unite people, bringing hope for future generations," FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in a statement. Also Read - WPL's lucky charm? Only player to win two titles with two teams in two seasons Is US President Donald Trump going to receive it? FIFA President Infantino and US President Donald Trump have a strong bond between them and appeared together at several events since the United States have won the rights to host the 2026 World Cup. Infantino openly spoke about his good relations with President Trump and said that he consider him as his close friend. “We have a great relationship, I'm really lucky. I have a great relationship with President Trump, where I consider him a really close friend”, said Infantino. Also Read - FIDE World Cup 2025: Vidit ends 12-year-old Faustino Oro’s dream run; Pranav, Pranesh and Praggnanandhaa also advance FIFA has also strengthened its connection with Trump’s family by appointing his daughter Ivanka to the board of a $100 million education project funded partly through 2026 World Cup ticket revenue. However, FIFA has not yet revealed who will receive the first Peace Prize and Infantino also did not confirm whether Trump will be the winner or not.

US President Donald Trump missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize last month, which was awarded to&nbsp;Venezuela's Maria Corina Machado.

What is FIFA Peace Prize? Will US President Donald Trump be first recipient

Trump reportedly kept the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy at the Oval Office, while Chelsea had to make do with a replica. According to the sports magazine Athletic, FIFA President Gianni Infantino&nbsp;set aside a winner’s medal for Trump and handed it to him after the ceremony. England's Chelsea became the winner after thrashing UEFA Champions League holder Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Following Chelsea's victory, Trump was requested to present the trophy to the winning squad. However, following the distribution of the trophy, Trump surprisingly joined in for the celebration on the podium with the team. The players seemed visibly baffled.&nbsp;While speaking to the sports broadcaster DAZN, Trump said, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given the trophy to him, and he could hold onto it 'forever'."They said, 'Could you hold this trophy for a little while?' We put it in the Oval Office,' and then I said, 'When are you going to pick up the trophy?' He says, 'We're never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office. We're making a new one."“And they actually made a new one (for the winner), so that was quite exciting, but right now (the original) is in the Oval,” said Trump.The $230,000 worth FIFA trophy, crafted in collaboration with Tiffany &amp; Co, features three outer rings and a 24-carat gold-plated coating.In a press conference in March during the visit of Infantino, Trump said he had "never seen anything like" the trophy. Then he said it would stay in the Oval Office."If you like it, Mr President, it can stay here, just on the 13th of July, you should take it with me to the stadium to give it to the winners, they can take a picture with it, then we can bring it back here," Infantino appeared to joke.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">⚽️🥇 DID DONALD TRUMP JUST POCKET A MEDAL 🥇⚽️ <a href="https://t.co/GPVSlJ4axQ">pic.twitter.com/GPVSlJ4axQ</a>&mdash; Brian Krijgsman (@BrianKrijgsman) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrianKrijgsman/status/1944784018500637160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The presentation was an occasion of social awkwardness for Chelsea players, special Chelsea star boy and man-of-the-match Cole Palmer, who looked bewildered as Trump remained on the stage for the Trophy lifting of the squad. Cole Palmer was also awarded the Player of the Tournament, and he received the Golden Ball.&nbsp;"I knew he was going to be here, but I didn't know he was going to be on the stand when we lifted the trophy, so I was a bit confused," said Cole Palmer after the match.

Trump has claimed in an interview with the Sports Broadcaster DAZN that he has the Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, and Chelsea has a replica of the original one. He also pocketed a winner's medal for himself.

Trump reportedly kept the FIFA Club World Cup Trophy at the Oval Office, while Chelsea had to make do with a replica. According to the sports magazine Athletic, FIFA President Gianni Infantino set aside a winner’s medal for Trump and handed it to him after the ceremony. England's Chelsea became the winner after thrashing UEFA Champions League holder Paris Saint-Germain in the final of the Club World Cup on Sunday at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey. Following Chelsea's victory, Trump was requested to present the trophy to the winning squad. However, following the distribution of the trophy, Trump surprisingly joined in for the celebration on the podium with the team. The players seemed visibly baffled. While speaking to the sports broadcaster DAZN, Trump said, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given the trophy to him, and he could hold onto it 'forever'. "They said, 'Could you hold this trophy for a little while?' We put it in the Oval Office,' and then I said, 'When are you going to pick up the trophy?' He says, 'We're never going to pick it up. You can have it forever in the Oval Office. We're making a new one." “And they actually made a new one (for the winner), so that was quite exciting, but right now (the original) is in the Oval,” said Trump. The $230,000 worth FIFA trophy, crafted in collaboration with Tiffany & Co, features three outer rings and a 24-carat gold-plated coating. In a press conference in March during the visit of Infantino, Trump said he had "never seen anything like" the trophy. Then he said it would stay in the Oval Office. "If you like it, Mr President, it can stay here, just on the 13th of July, you should take it with me to the stadium to give it to the winners, they can take a picture with it, then we can bring it back here," Infantino appeared to joke.

Trump has claimed in an interview with the Sports Broadcaster DAZN that he has the Club World Cup trophy in the Oval Office, and Chelsea has a replica of the original one. He also pocketed a winner's medal for himself.

'Never seen anything like the trophy': Trump kept the Club World Cup trophy for himself, Chelsea gets a replica

FIFA president Gianni Infantino triumphantly declared the Club World Cup to be "the most successful club competition in the world" on Saturday, ahead of this weekend's final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. The first 32-team edition of the tournament faced criticism in the build-up for stretching demands on elite players and has been played out in baking temperatures in the United States that have raised concerns for the health of those involved. There were also doubts about the level of interest the competition would generate among fans, but Infantino said he was satisfied with the attendances at matches -- despite many games being far from sold out -- and claimed it had been a major success financially.&nbsp;"The golden age of club football has started. We can definitely say this FIFA Club World Cup has been a huge success," Infantino told reporters at Trump Tower on New York City's Fifth Avenue, where FIFA has just opened an office.&nbsp;&nbsp;"We heard that financially it would not work, that nobody is interested, but I can say we generated almost 2.1 billion dollars in revenues, for 63 matches," he said. "That makes an average of $33 million per match -- no other club competition in the world comes close.&nbsp;"It is already the most successful club competition in the world."&nbsp;Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-forever-our-number-20-liverpool-retire-diogo-jota-s-squad-number-in-heartfelt-tribute-to-late-forward-1752291255824">'Forever our number 20': Liverpool retire Diogo Jota's squad number in heartfelt tribute to late forward</a>&nbsp;Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been one of the leading voices against the tournament, calling it "the worst idea ever implemented in football" in a recent interview. But the head of world football's governing body dismissed suggestions that Klopp might be speaking for most observers in Europe.&nbsp;"We shouldn't say that the opinion of Europe on this is very bad because it is not true," said Infantino, who was appearing on a stage alongside numerous footballing greats, including the Brazilian Ronaldo. "All the teams who have come here have been happy -- some teams who didn't come here because they didn't qualify were calling us to see how they could qualify.&nbsp;"Of course I would have liked to have Liverpool here, Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Tottenham, AC Milan, Napoli... but you have to qualify and there are different criteria."&nbsp;The next Club World Cup is due to take place in 2029, with Infantino refusing to commit when asked whether the tournament could be played every two years or be expanded to feature more teams.&nbsp;"We created something new, something which is here to stay, something which is changing the landscape of club football," he added.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

There were also doubts about the level of interest the competition would generate among fans, but Infantino said he was satisfied with the attendances at matches -- despite many games being far from sold out -- and claimed it had been a major success financially.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino triumphantly declared the Club World Cup to be "the most successful club competition in the world" on Saturday, ahead of this weekend's final between Paris Saint-Germain and Chelsea. The first 32-team edition of the tournament faced criticism in the build-up for stretching demands on elite players and has been played out in baking temperatures in the United States that have raised concerns for the health of those involved. There were also doubts about the level of interest the competition would generate among fans, but Infantino said he was satisfied with the attendances at matches -- despite many games being far from sold out -- and claimed it had been a major success financially. "The golden age of club football has started. We can definitely say this FIFA Club World Cup has been a huge success," Infantino told reporters at Trump Tower on New York City's Fifth Avenue, where FIFA has just opened an office. "We heard that financially it would not work, that nobody is interested, but I can say we generated almost 2.1 billion dollars in revenues, for 63 matches," he said. "That makes an average of $33 million per match -- no other club competition in the world comes close. "It is already the most successful club competition in the world." Also read | 'Forever our number 20': Liverpool retire Diogo Jota's squad number in heartfelt tribute to late forward Former Liverpool coach Jurgen Klopp has been one of the leading voices against the tournament, calling it "the worst idea ever implemented in football" in a recent interview. But the head of world football's governing body dismissed suggestions that Klopp might be speaking for most observers in Europe. "We shouldn't say that the opinion of Europe on this is very bad because it is not true," said Infantino, who was appearing on a stage alongside numerous footballing greats, including the Brazilian Ronaldo. "All the teams who have come here have been happy -- some teams who didn't come here because they didn't qualify were calling us to see how they could qualify. "Of course I would have liked to have Liverpool here, Arsenal, Manchester United, Barcelona, Tottenham, AC Milan, Napoli... but you have to qualify and there are different criteria." The next Club World Cup is due to take place in 2029, with Infantino refusing to commit when asked whether the tournament could be played every two years or be expanded to feature more teams. "We created something new, something which is here to stay, something which is changing the landscape of club football," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for the WION audience.

There were also doubts about the level of interest the competition would generate among fans, but Infantino said he was satisfied with the attendances at matches -- despite many games being far from sold out -- and claimed it had been a major success financially.

FIFA boss Infantino hails Club World Cup as 'world's most successful competition'

The 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey will make history by having a Super Bowl-style half-time show, world football chief Gianni Infantino said Wednesday.<o:p></o:p>
Coldplay band members Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will determine the artists who will perform, FIFA president Infantino said.<o:p></o:p>
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-league-last-16-liverpool-beat-psg-bayern-thrash-league-winners-leverkusen-8821407" rel="dofollow">Champions League: Liverpool beat PSG, Bayern thrash league winners Leverkusen in last 16</a>
"I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York/New Jersey," Infantino wrote on Instagram. "This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world." <o:p></o:p>
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Infantino revealed the decision following a meeting of FIFA's commercial and media partners in Dallas ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico.<o:p></o:p>
No further information about specific details or duration of the half-time show were revealed by Infantino.<o:p></o:p>
The move mirrors the show held during the final of last year's Copa America in Miami, when Colombian star Shakira performed at half-time at the Hard Rock Stadium.<o:p></o:p>
Infantino added that FIFA also planned to "take over" New York's Times Square on the final weekend of the tournament.
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Sports, Football: World famous band Coldplay band members Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will determine the artists who will perform, FIFA president Infantino said.

The 2026 World Cup final in New Jersey will make history by having a Super Bowl-style half-time show, world football chief Gianni Infantino said Wednesday. Coldplay band members Chris Martin and Phil Harvey will determine the artists who will perform, FIFA president Infantino said. Also read | Champions League: Liverpool beat PSG, Bayern thrash league winners Leverkusen in last 16 "I can confirm the first-ever half-time show at a FIFA World Cup final in New York/New Jersey," Infantino wrote on Instagram. "This will be a historic moment for the FIFA World Cup and a show befitting the biggest sporting event in the world." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Gianni Infantino - FIFA President (@gianni_infantino) Infantino revealed the decision following a meeting of FIFA's commercial and media partners in Dallas ahead of the 2026 tournament, which will be co-hosted in the United States, Canada and Mexico. No further information about specific details or duration of the half-time show were revealed by Infantino. The move mirrors the show held during the final of last year's Copa America in Miami, when Colombian star Shakira performed at half-time at the Hard Rock Stadium. Infantino added that FIFA also planned to "take over" New York's Times Square on the final weekend of the tournament. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Super-Bowl style half-time show to highlight 2026 World Cup final: Infantino

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, on Monday, called for relevant authorities to take action against Trabzonspor fans who attacked Fenerbahce players following the latter’s 3-2 win in the Turkish Super Lig match on Sunday (March 17). Scary visuals of Trabzonspor fans storming the pitch after the final whistle created a stir on the internet, with Fenerbahce players fighting back to defend themselves.

WATCH THE VIDEO HERE -

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🚨 Crazy scenes in Turkey between Trabzonspor fans entering the pitch and stormed the Fenerbahçe players.<a href="https://t.co/zbfNWhp11m">pic.twitter.com/zbfNWhp11m</a>
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) <a href="https://twitter.com/FabrizioRomano/status/1769465974690906397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Infantino said the violence witnessed in the Turkish League is unacceptable on and off the field and that it has no place in society. He further asked authorities to take strict actions against those who breached the security following the game.&nbsp;

"The violence witnessed after the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is absolutely unacceptable - on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society," Infantino said in a statement. "All players have to be safe and secure to play the game, which brings such joy to so many people all over the world."

"I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions," he added.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fa-cup-manchester-uniteds-amad-diallo-shown-red-card-after-extra-time-winner-against-liverpool-heres-why-701392">FA Cup – Manchester United’s Amad Diallo shown red card after extra-time winner against Liverpool, here’s why</a>

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that police have arrested around a dozen fans in this incident. Fenerbahce players left the city by a private plane on&nbsp;Sunday night, accompanied by extensive security measures.

<h2>Chaos in Turkish Super Lig</h2>

However, several instances in the Turkish League have made headlines for the wrong reasons this season.&nbsp;

Earlier, there was an attack on a referee by a club president and protests against some of their decisions. Speaking on the same lines, Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci said the Turkish League has been fed by chaos, raising tensions everywhere.&nbsp;

"We are going through a period that Turkish football is now completely fed by chaos, where tensions are constantly high, and where we cannot use the healing power of football," Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci told reporters on Sunday.

"I don't understand why this place is so tense. Don't we have the right to celebrate? We need to overcome these things. We need to be tolerant towards each other and have common sense," Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal told reporters.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, on Monday, called for relevant authorities to take action against Trabzonspor fans who attacked Fenerbahce players following the latter’s 3-2 win in the Turkish Super Lig match on Sunday (March 17).

FIFA president Gianni Infantino, on Monday, called for relevant authorities to take action against Trabzonspor fans who attacked Fenerbahce players following the latter’s 3-2 win in the Turkish Super Lig match on Sunday (March 17). Scary visuals of Trabzonspor fans storming the pitch after the final whistle created a stir on the internet, with Fenerbahce players fighting back to defend themselves. WATCH THE VIDEO HERE - 🚨 Crazy scenes in Turkey between Trabzonspor fans entering the pitch and stormed the Fenerbahçe players.pic.twitter.com/zbfNWhp11m — Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) March 17, 2024 × Infantino said the violence witnessed in the Turkish League is unacceptable on and off the field and that it has no place in society. He further asked authorities to take strict actions against those who breached the security following the game. "The violence witnessed after the Turkish Super Lig match between Trabzonspor and Fenerbahce is absolutely unacceptable - on or off the field, it has no place in our sport or society," Infantino said in a statement. "All players have to be safe and secure to play the game, which brings such joy to so many people all over the world." "I call on the relevant authorities to ensure that this is respected at all levels and for the perpetrators of the shocking events in Trabzon to be held accountable for their actions," he added. ALSO READ: FA Cup – Manchester United’s Amad Diallo shown red card after extra-time winner against Liverpool, here’s why Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya confirmed that police have arrested around a dozen fans in this incident. Fenerbahce players left the city by a private plane on Sunday night, accompanied by extensive security measures. Chaos in Turkish Super Lig However, several instances in the Turkish League have made headlines for the wrong reasons this season. Earlier, there was an attack on a referee by a club president and protests against some of their decisions. Speaking on the same lines, Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci said the Turkish League has been fed by chaos, raising tensions everywhere. "We are going through a period that Turkish football is now completely fed by chaos, where tensions are constantly high, and where we cannot use the healing power of football," Trabzonspor coach Abdullah Avci told reporters on Sunday. "I don't understand why this place is so tense. Don't we have the right to celebrate? We need to overcome these things. We need to be tolerant towards each other and have common sense," Fenerbahce manager Ismail Kartal told reporters.

FIFA boss Infantino calls for action over Trabzonspor fans attacking Fenerbahce players in Turkey

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for an automatic forfeit of games for the teams whose fans indulge in racism acts during the play in various leagues such as Italian Serie A, English Premier League (EPL) and Spanish La Liga. He shared the thoughts after two separate incidents of racisms on Saturday (January 20) which included Serie A and English Football League (EFL) or the Championship.

“As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned, as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists,” said Infantino via a FIFA post on X.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australian-open-novak-djokovic-equals-roger-federers-record-with-fourth-round-win-682098">Australian Open: Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer's record with fourth round win</a>

“FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination! The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support. We need ALL the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society,” he added.

In Serie A, AC Milan players walked off the pitch for a brief period of time after their French goalkeeper Mike Maignan alleged that Udinese fans made monkey noises in stands. In EFL, Coventry manager reported that mid-fielder Kasey Palmer was subjected to an racist gesture by a fan in dying moments of the game against Sheffield Wednesday.&nbsp;

For the games, Milan returned to play after five minutes and went on to win the match 3-2. Coventry, on the other hand, were already 2-1 ahead at the time of the incident and the score stayed the same.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for an automatic forfeit of games for the teams whose fans indulge in racism acts during the play in various leagues such as Italian Serie A, English Premier League (EPL) and Spanish La Liga.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has called for an automatic forfeit of games for the teams whose fans indulge in racism acts during the play in various leagues such as Italian Serie A, English Premier League (EPL) and Spanish La Liga. He shared the thoughts after two separate incidents of racisms on Saturday (January 20) which included Serie A and English Football League (EFL) or the Championship. “As well as the three-step process (match stopped, match re-stopped, match abandoned), we have to implement an automatic forfeit for the team whose fans have committed racism and caused the match to be abandoned, as well as worldwide stadium bans and criminal charges for racists,” said Infantino via a FIFA post on X. Also Read: Australian Open: Novak Djokovic equals Roger Federer's record with fourth round win “FIFA and football shows full solidarity to victims of racism and any form of discrimination. Once and for all: No to racism! No to any form of discrimination! The events that took place in Udine and Sheffield on Saturday are totally abhorrent and completely unacceptable. The players affected by Saturday’s events have my undivided support. We need ALL the relevant stakeholders to take action, starting with education in schools so that future generations understand that this is not part of football or society,” he added. In Serie A, AC Milan players walked off the pitch for a brief period of time after their French goalkeeper Mike Maignan alleged that Udinese fans made monkey noises in stands. In EFL, Coventry manager reported that mid-fielder Kasey Palmer was subjected to an racist gesture by a fan in dying moments of the game against Sheffield Wednesday. For the games, Milan returned to play after five minutes and went on to win the match 3-2. Coventry, on the other hand, were already 2-1 ahead at the time of the incident and the score stayed the same.

FIFA chief calls for automatic forfeit of games for teams whose fans get involved in racism during games

Criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his dealings with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber have been closed, Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday (October 26), a decision Infantino hailed as a vindication of "the new FIFA". Infantino was elected in 2016 to clean up world soccer body FIFA after it became embroiled in corruption scandals.

However, Swiss authorities launched proceedings against Infantino himself in 2020 on suspicions of secrecy violations, abuse of office and aiding and abetting related to meetings he held with Lauber.

In ending the proceedings, prosecutors said their investigations had "invalidated" such suspicions. Swiss-Italian Infantino, who had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said the decision was a "a full and clear victory for me, for the new FIFA and for justice."

"Indeed and with no surprise, the investigation fully and clearly confirms that I have always acted in a lawful and correct way, always defending exclusively the interests of FIFA and football," Infantino said.

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Swiss authorities had been investigating contacts between Infantino and Lauber, who resigned as Swiss attorney general after a court concluded he covered up a meeting with the FIFA boss and lied to supervisors while his office investigated corruption at the football body.

The prosecutors said that their investigation had turned up no evidence that Infantino had "instrumentalised" the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland "into unusual, inexplicable, erroneous or even criminal acts or omissions".

FIFA said they had noted the decision to close the proceedings "with extreme satisfaction".

Criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his dealings with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber have been closed, Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday (October 26), a decision Infantino hailed as a vindication of "the new FIFA".

Criminal proceedings against FIFA President Gianni Infantino over his dealings with former Swiss attorney general Michael Lauber have been closed, Swiss prosecutors said on Thursday (October 26), a decision Infantino hailed as a vindication of "the new FIFA". Infantino was elected in 2016 to clean up world soccer body FIFA after it became embroiled in corruption scandals. However, Swiss authorities launched proceedings against Infantino himself in 2020 on suspicions of secrecy violations, abuse of office and aiding and abetting related to meetings he held with Lauber. In ending the proceedings, prosecutors said their investigations had "invalidated" such suspicions. Swiss-Italian Infantino, who had repeatedly denied any wrongdoing, said the decision was a "a full and clear victory for me, for the new FIFA and for justice." "Indeed and with no surprise, the investigation fully and clearly confirms that I have always acted in a lawful and correct way, always defending exclusively the interests of FIFA and football," Infantino said. Also Read: Arsenal plot long stay at Premier League summit, Man City play Tottenham and Newcastle host Man United Swiss authorities had been investigating contacts between Infantino and Lauber, who resigned as Swiss attorney general after a court concluded he covered up a meeting with the FIFA boss and lied to supervisors while his office investigated corruption at the football body. The prosecutors said that their investigation had turned up no evidence that Infantino had "instrumentalised" the Office of the Attorney General of Switzerland "into unusual, inexplicable, erroneous or even criminal acts or omissions". FIFA said they had noted the decision to close the proceedings "with extreme satisfaction".

FIFA President Gianni Infantino cleared of criminal charges, confirm Swiss prosecutors

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Friday that the Women's World Cup generated more than $570 million in revenue and enabled soccer's global governing body to break even, despite raising the prize purse ten-fold compared to the 2015 edition.

The Swiss, in a typically combative speech, said the ninth edition of the FIFA showpiece event had been the "best and greatest and biggest", and vindicated the decision to raise the prize money and expand the field from 24 to 32 teams.

"Some voices were raised, would it cost too much? We don't make enough revenues, we will have to subsidise. And our opinion was, well if we have to subsidise, we will subsidise, because we have to do that," he told the FIFA Women's Football Convention.

"But actually, this World Cup generated over 570 million U.S. dollars in revenues, and so we broke even. We didn't lose any money and we generated the second highest income of any sport, besides of course the men's World Cup, at a global stage."

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That was one of the few comparisons to men's football in Infantino's speech. The $440 million prize purse for the men's World Cup in Qatar is still considerably more than the $152 million being shared by the women in Australia and New Zealand.

"I say to all the women, you have the power to change. Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights," Infantino said. "Just keep pushing, keep the momentum, keep dreaming, and let's really go for a full equality. Not just equal pay in the World Cup, which is a slogan that comes up every now and then."

"Equal pay in the World Cup, we are going in that direction already. But that would not solve anything ... because it's one month every four years and it's a few players out of the thousands and thousands of players."

Infantino also rounded on critics of the choice of Australia and New Zealand as hosts, and of the tournament's expansion.

"I remember when we decided to do that, of course the usual critics, which are less and less, were saying it's not going to work and the level is too different," he said. "There would be 15-0 scores, it will be bad for women's football and its image. I'm sorry but FIFA was right. FIFA was right. As it happens quite often in the last years, FIFA was right once more."

England play Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday to close the tournament. 
 
&nbsp;

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FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Friday that the Women's World Cup generated more than $570 million in revenue and enabled soccer's global governing body to break even, despite raising the prize purse ten-fold compared to the 2015 edition.

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino said on Friday that the Women's World Cup generated more than $570 million in revenue and enabled soccer's global governing body to break even, despite raising the prize purse ten-fold compared to the 2015 edition. The Swiss, in a typically combative speech, said the ninth edition of the FIFA showpiece event had been the "best and greatest and biggest", and vindicated the decision to raise the prize money and expand the field from 24 to 32 teams. "Some voices were raised, would it cost too much? We don't make enough revenues, we will have to subsidise. And our opinion was, well if we have to subsidise, we will subsidise, because we have to do that," he told the FIFA Women's Football Convention. "But actually, this World Cup generated over 570 million U.S. dollars in revenues, and so we broke even. We didn't lose any money and we generated the second highest income of any sport, besides of course the men's World Cup, at a global stage." ALSO READ: Tennis: US Open has no plans to tweak schedule to prevent late finishes That was one of the few comparisons to men's football in Infantino's speech. The $440 million prize purse for the men's World Cup in Qatar is still considerably more than the $152 million being shared by the women in Australia and New Zealand. "I say to all the women, you have the power to change. Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights," Infantino said. "Just keep pushing, keep the momentum, keep dreaming, and let's really go for a full equality. Not just equal pay in the World Cup, which is a slogan that comes up every now and then." "Equal pay in the World Cup, we are going in that direction already. But that would not solve anything ... because it's one month every four years and it's a few players out of the thousands and thousands of players." Infantino also rounded on critics of the choice of Australia and New Zealand as hosts, and of the tournament's expansion. "I remember when we decided to do that, of course the usual critics, which are less and less, were saying it's not going to work and the level is too different," he said. "There would be 15-0 scores, it will be bad for women's football and its image. I'm sorry but FIFA was right. FIFA was right. As it happens quite often in the last years, FIFA was right once more." England play Spain in the World Cup final in Sydney on Sunday to close the tournament. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Women's World Cup 2023 generated over $570 million in revenue for FIFA: Gianni Infantino

Former FIFA Council member Moya Dodd has criticised Gianni Infantino's threat of a Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe this year and said the governing body is responsible for the tournament being historically undervalued. FIFA is selling TV rights to the women's tournament separately from the men's for the first time and President Infantino said Europe's "Big 5" nations face a blackout unless broadcasters improve on their "unacceptable" offers.

Broadcasters from Britain, Spain, France, Germany and Italy had offered only $1 million-$10 million for the rights, compared to $100 million-$200 million for the men's World Cup, he added. Dodd, an ex-Australia international, said the broadcast industry had undervalued the women's tournament as FIFA had sold the rights together with the men's. "Now that FIFA has decided to sell the rights separately, it's no surprise that the buyers don't want to pay the same big numbers twice," Dodd told the Sydney Morning Herald.

"Effectively, the industry was trained to pay big money for the men's World Cup and treat the women's equivalent as worthless. At the same time, the women were told they didn't deserve prize money or equal pay because they didn't bring the revenues. It's actually quite outrageous for FIFA to now say that all women's revenues will go straight into women's&nbsp;football since it overlooks the fact that the value of women's rights has until now been used to inflate the value of men's&nbsp;football."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/football-fifa-warns-of-womens-world-cup-broadcast-blackout-in-europe-amid-disappointing-offers-for-rights-588170">Football: FIFA warns of Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe amid disappointing offers for rights</a>

Dodd said that instead of threatening broadcasters, FIFA should review all of its bundled deals and attribute a fair proportion to the women's game. "If in fact, the Women's World Cup gets 50-60 per cent&nbsp;of the viewers of the men's, as FIFA says, that should amount to a sum in the billions," she added.

FIFA did not comment on Dodd's remarks but Infantino earlier said that "100 per cent&nbsp;of any rights fees paid would go straight into women's&nbsp;football, in our (FIFA's) move to promote actions towards equal conditions and pay". In March, FIFA announced that a total package of $152 million would be on offer at this year's tournament – three times more than at the 2019 edition in France and over 10 times more than the amount offered at the 2015 tournament in Canada.

The Women's World Cup will be held from July 20-Aug 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

Former FIFA Council member Moya Dodd has criticised Gianni Infantino's threat of a Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe this year and said the governing body is responsible for the tournament being historically undervalued.

Former FIFA Council member Moya Dodd has criticised Gianni Infantino's threat of a Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe this year and said the governing body is responsible for the tournament being historically undervalued. FIFA is selling TV rights to the women's tournament separately from the men's for the first time and President Infantino said Europe's "Big 5" nations face a blackout unless broadcasters improve on their "unacceptable" offers. Broadcasters from Britain, Spain, France, Germany and Italy had offered only $1 million-$10 million for the rights, compared to $100 million-$200 million for the men's World Cup, he added. Dodd, an ex-Australia international, said the broadcast industry had undervalued the women's tournament as FIFA had sold the rights together with the men's. "Now that FIFA has decided to sell the rights separately, it's no surprise that the buyers don't want to pay the same big numbers twice," Dodd told the Sydney Morning Herald. "Effectively, the industry was trained to pay big money for the men's World Cup and treat the women's equivalent as worthless. At the same time, the women were told they didn't deserve prize money or equal pay because they didn't bring the revenues. It's actually quite outrageous for FIFA to now say that all women's revenues will go straight into women's football since it overlooks the fact that the value of women's rights has until now been used to inflate the value of men's football." Also Read: Football: FIFA warns of Women's World Cup broadcast blackout in Europe amid disappointing offers for rights Dodd said that instead of threatening broadcasters, FIFA should review all of its bundled deals and attribute a fair proportion to the women's game. "If in fact, the Women's World Cup gets 50-60 per cent of the viewers of the men's, as FIFA says, that should amount to a sum in the billions," she added. FIFA did not comment on Dodd's remarks but Infantino earlier said that "100 per cent of any rights fees paid would go straight into women's football, in our (FIFA's) move to promote actions towards equal conditions and pay". In March, FIFA announced that a total package of $152 million would be on offer at this year's tournament – three times more than at the 2019 edition in France and over 10 times more than the amount offered at the 2015 tournament in Canada. The Women's World Cup will be held from July 20-Aug 20 in Australia and New Zealand.

FIFA responsible for undervaluing Women's World Cup, says former FIFA Council member Moya Dodd

Gianni Infantino has been re-elected as president of FIFA till the year 2027, after running unopposed at the congress of world football’s ruling body. Infantino promised record revenues in the next four-year cycle for the premier body.

Gianni Infantino re-elected as FIFA president till 2027 after standing unopposed

FIFA will ask all the world's countries to name a stadium for Brazilian football legend Pele, the head of the sport's governing body, Gianni Infantino, said Monday at the late icon's wake. Infantino was in the city of Santos, Brazil, to pay his final respects to the player widely considered the greatest of all time, who died Thursday at the age of 82. "We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele," Infantino told journalists at the Vila Belmiro, the stadium where the player known as "The King" first exploded onto the world stage with his exploits for his longtime club, Santos FC.

Attending the 24-hour wake along with the heads of the South American and Brazilian football confederations, Infantino was among the first to pay homage before Pele's open casket, which was displayed in the middle of the field at Vila Belmiro stadium.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fia-boss-mohammed-ben-sulayem-wants-to-start-process-for-more-teams-to-enter-f1-549007">FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to start process for more teams to enter F1</a>

"We're here with great sadness," Infantino said. "Pele is eternal. He's a global icon of football." FIFA had already flown the flags of the world at half-mast Friday outside its headquarters in Zurich in honor of Pele, whom the organization has named as the greatest player of the 20th century.

Pele, the only player in history to win three World Cups, died at a Sao Paulo hospital after a long battle with cancer. Monday's wake will be followed by a funeral procession through the streets of Santos Tuesday, then a private interment ceremony.

FIFA will ask all the world's countries to name a stadium for Brazilian football legend Pele, the head of the sport's governing body, Gianni Infantino, said Monday at the late icon's wake.

FIFA will ask all the world's countries to name a stadium for Brazilian football legend Pele, the head of the sport's governing body, Gianni Infantino, said Monday at the late icon's wake. Infantino was in the city of Santos, Brazil, to pay his final respects to the player widely considered the greatest of all time, who died Thursday at the age of 82. "We’re going to ask every country in the world to name one of their football stadiums with the name of Pele," Infantino told journalists at the Vila Belmiro, the stadium where the player known as "The King" first exploded onto the world stage with his exploits for his longtime club, Santos FC. Attending the 24-hour wake along with the heads of the South American and Brazilian football confederations, Infantino was among the first to pay homage before Pele's open casket, which was displayed in the middle of the field at Vila Belmiro stadium. Also read: FIA boss Mohammed Ben Sulayem wants to start process for more teams to enter F1 "We're here with great sadness," Infantino said. "Pele is eternal. He's a global icon of football." FIFA had already flown the flags of the world at half-mast Friday outside its headquarters in Zurich in honor of Pele, whom the organization has named as the greatest player of the 20th century. Pele, the only player in history to win three World Cups, died at a Sao Paulo hospital after a long battle with cancer. Monday's wake will be followed by a funeral procession through the streets of Santos Tuesday, then a private interment ceremony.

FIFA to ask all countries to name a stadium for Pele, says Gianni Infantino

The 2025 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, making the format similar to the ongoing soccer World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Friday. He said the tournament, which currently involves seven teams, would be held every four years and would boost revenues for the global sports body further.

Currently the top teams of every continental competition as well as the hosts' national champion battle it out for the Club World Cup title. He said FIFA expected revenues of $11 billion for the four-year period between 2022 and 2026 but that did not include the new club World Cup format in 2025.

"This 11 billion figure is without the club World Cup (in 2025). At the end of the four years we will make even more revenues," Infantino told a news conference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fifa-declines-zelenskys-request-to-share-message-before-fifa-world-cup-2022-final-report-543819">FIFA declines Zelensky's request to share message before FIFA World Cup 2022 final: Report</a>

The global union for professional football players (FIFPRO) reacted negatively to the decision.

"FIFPRO took note with surprise of today’s decisions by the FIFA Council concerning the international match calendars for men’s and women’s football that could have serious consequences for and aggravate pressure on the welfare and employment of players," it said in a statement.

"Despite an understanding FIFPRO reached with FIFA last week that a joint negotiation of the international match calendar would take place before the FIFA Congress in March 2023, these decisions were taken unilaterally without seriously consulting, let alone agreeing, with the players."

The World Leagues Forum (WLF), an organisation representing professional association football leagues, also reacted criticised the announcement, saying it could have damaging consequences for the football economy and player welfare.

"As the calendar is already overloaded, with longstanding domestic club competitions and ever-expanding international competitions, FIFA’s decision creates the risk of fixture congestion, further player injuries and a distortion of competitive balance," it said in a statement.

The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.

Infantino also said that the 2022 Club World Cup, traditionally held in December but delayed this year due to the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, will be hosted by Morocco between 1 to 11 February, 2023.

The decision was taken by the FIFA Council following its meeting on Friday.

The 2025 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, making the format similar to the ongoing soccer World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Friday. He said the tournament, which currently involves seven teams, would be held every four years and would boost revenues for the global sports body further.

The 2025 Club World Cup will feature 32 teams, making the format similar to the ongoing soccer World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said on Friday. He said the tournament, which currently involves seven teams, would be held every four years and would boost revenues for the global sports body further. Currently the top teams of every continental competition as well as the hosts' national champion battle it out for the Club World Cup title. He said FIFA expected revenues of $11 billion for the four-year period between 2022 and 2026 but that did not include the new club World Cup format in 2025. "This 11 billion figure is without the club World Cup (in 2025). At the end of the four years we will make even more revenues," Infantino told a news conference. ALSO READ: FIFA declines Zelensky's request to share message before FIFA World Cup 2022 final: Report The global union for professional football players (FIFPRO) reacted negatively to the decision. "FIFPRO took note with surprise of today’s decisions by the FIFA Council concerning the international match calendars for men’s and women’s football that could have serious consequences for and aggravate pressure on the welfare and employment of players," it said in a statement. "Despite an understanding FIFPRO reached with FIFA last week that a joint negotiation of the international match calendar would take place before the FIFA Congress in March 2023, these decisions were taken unilaterally without seriously consulting, let alone agreeing, with the players." The World Leagues Forum (WLF), an organisation representing professional association football leagues, also reacted criticised the announcement, saying it could have damaging consequences for the football economy and player welfare. "As the calendar is already overloaded, with longstanding domestic club competitions and ever-expanding international competitions, FIFA’s decision creates the risk of fixture congestion, further player injuries and a distortion of competitive balance," it said in a statement. The 2026 World Cup will be hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. Infantino also said that the 2022 Club World Cup, traditionally held in December but delayed this year due to the ongoing World Cup in Qatar, will be hosted by Morocco between 1 to 11 February, 2023. The decision was taken by the FIFA Council following its meeting on Friday.

2025 Club World Cup to feature 32 teams, says FIFA boss Gianni Infantino

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition finally kicked off in Qatar on November 20. While the mega event was eagerly awaited, a lot of things have made the headlines off the field en route to the tournament's commencement. A lot has been said and written about Qatar's human rights violations and many have slammed the Middle East country, with ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter also admitting that it was a mistake to award the hosting rights to a country like Qatar.

Nonetheless, the West's reporting of Qatar has made heads turn at regular intervals prior to the FIFA WC's opener. It is to be noted that the BBC relegated the FIFA World Cup opening&nbsp;ceremony to the "Red Button" service and online. However, BBC One went ahead by not airing the ceremony live by maintaining its stance on Qatar's orthodox viewpoint on the LGBTQ community and notorious history of human rights violations.

Is it Western hypocrisy?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently slammed the West's reporting and said in his first press conference in Doha ahead of the World Cup,&nbsp;"This moral lesson-giving -- one-sided -- is just hypocrisy. I don't want to give you any lessons of life, but what is going on here is profoundly, profoundly unjust." He added, "For what we Europeans have been doing for the last 3,000 years we should apologise for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people."

"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," said the FIFA president said while defending Qatar.

It isn't a hidden fact how many Western countries have also been a part of the problem, showing their dominance over developing or poorer countries as well as incidents of racism, slavery, etc. being highlighted for one and all.

It is known that England is taking a knee with regard to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in the Qatar World Cup. In September 2020, former West Indies pacer Michael Holding slammed England and Australia for choosing when to take a knee. After the West Indies tour of England, where both teams took a knee before proceedings, the then Joe Root-led England didn't take a knee in their following home series versus Pakistan and Australia. Back then, Holding blasted at England Cricket Board (ECB) and Australian captain Aaron Finch while speaking his heart out in Sky Sports.&nbsp;

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Holding told, "Now that the West Indies team has gone home, that doesn't mean that you still shouldn't be respecting the message and exactly what it stands for. If you go back to when taking a knee started and what it stood for, or stands for, it goes back to Colin Kaepernick in America, who took a knee because he wanted to bring attention to the racism and police brutality against people of colour in that country.&nbsp; Yes, it is more acute in the United States than in most other places but people around the entire world took on the mantle of spreading the word and getting this message out that it is time for equality and time for equal justice, and all that."

The former pacer said, "So everybody, all over the world, whether you are black, white, brown, pink or green - you saw the demonstrations all over the world. It was no longer just a black versus white thing; it was a matter of humanity coming together and saying 'listen, we need everyone to be treated equally.&nbsp;So for Pakistan and England not to then take that signal - because you are not doing anything other than going down on one knee - you are not chanting anything, you are not saying anything, all you are doing is making a signal to keep the awareness going. Neither team did it and the ECB came out with a pretty lame statement, as far as I am concerned."

The question to be asked here is how come the England football team is taking a knee -- when they do it selectively in Premier League fixtures -- during Qatar World Cup but their senior men's cricket team didn't during their Pakistan tour, T20 World Cup, etc.

Is the West trying to make a statement in Qatar or just adding fuel to fire in a country which already has a troubled history with many human right issues?

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition finally kicked off in Qatar on November 20. While the mega event was eagerly awaited, a lot of things have made the headlines off the field en route to the tournament's commencement.

The FIFA World Cup 2022 edition finally kicked off in Qatar on November 20. While the mega event was eagerly awaited, a lot of things have made the headlines off the field en route to the tournament's commencement. A lot has been said and written about Qatar's human rights violations and many have slammed the Middle East country, with ex-FIFA President Sepp Blatter also admitting that it was a mistake to award the hosting rights to a country like Qatar. Nonetheless, the West's reporting of Qatar has made heads turn at regular intervals prior to the FIFA WC's opener. It is to be noted that the BBC relegated the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony to the "Red Button" service and online. However, BBC One went ahead by not airing the ceremony live by maintaining its stance on Qatar's orthodox viewpoint on the LGBTQ community and notorious history of human rights violations. Is it Western hypocrisy? FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently slammed the West's reporting and said in his first press conference in Doha ahead of the World Cup, "This moral lesson-giving -- one-sided -- is just hypocrisy. I don't want to give you any lessons of life, but what is going on here is profoundly, profoundly unjust." He added, "For what we Europeans have been doing for the last 3,000 years we should apologise for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people." "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," said the FIFA president said while defending Qatar. It isn't a hidden fact how many Western countries have also been a part of the problem, showing their dominance over developing or poorer countries as well as incidents of racism, slavery, etc. being highlighted for one and all. It is known that England is taking a knee with regard to supporting the Black Lives Matter movement in the Qatar World Cup. In September 2020, former West Indies pacer Michael Holding slammed England and Australia for choosing when to take a knee. After the West Indies tour of England, where both teams took a knee before proceedings, the then Joe Root-led England didn't take a knee in their following home series versus Pakistan and Australia. Back then, Holding blasted at England Cricket Board (ECB) and Australian captain Aaron Finch while speaking his heart out in Sky Sports. Also read: UNBELIEVABLE! Cristiano Ronaldo becomes first-ever to clock 500m followers on Instagram Holding told, "Now that the West Indies team has gone home, that doesn't mean that you still shouldn't be respecting the message and exactly what it stands for. If you go back to when taking a knee started and what it stood for, or stands for, it goes back to Colin Kaepernick in America, who took a knee because he wanted to bring attention to the racism and police brutality against people of colour in that country. Yes, it is more acute in the United States than in most other places but people around the entire world took on the mantle of spreading the word and getting this message out that it is time for equality and time for equal justice, and all that." The former pacer said, "So everybody, all over the world, whether you are black, white, brown, pink or green - you saw the demonstrations all over the world. It was no longer just a black versus white thing; it was a matter of humanity coming together and saying 'listen, we need everyone to be treated equally. So for Pakistan and England not to then take that signal - because you are not doing anything other than going down on one knee - you are not chanting anything, you are not saying anything, all you are doing is making a signal to keep the awareness going. Neither team did it and the ECB came out with a pretty lame statement, as far as I am concerned." The question to be asked here is how come the England football team is taking a knee -- when they do it selectively in Premier League fixtures -- during Qatar World Cup but their senior men's cricket team didn't during their Pakistan tour, T20 World Cup, etc. Is the West trying to make a statement in Qatar or just adding fuel to fire in a country which already has a troubled history with many human right issues?

The Western hypocrisy? Glaring instances which might prove FIFA president Gianni Infantino right

Several sponsors felt 'betrayed' and were left disappointed after Qatar recently confirmed it won't allow alcohol inside the stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches. The decision was met with widespread criticism from fans around the globe while sponsors are too reportedly not happy with the move.

Gianni Infantino, the president of world football's governing body, revealed FIFA 'tried until the end' to convince the authorities in Qatar to allow beer to be sold inside the stadium during the World Cup. However, they failed in their efforts as the conservative Muslim nation had its way.

Qatar had earlier agreed to beer sale inside the stadium during matches but made a U-turn on the decision earlier this week. Opening up on the sudden ban of alcohol from the stadiums, Infantino said fans can survive without beer for three hours during the games.

"We tried until the end to see whether it was possible," Infantino said while opening up on Qatar's decision to ban alcohol inside the stadiums.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2022-opening-ceremony-when-and-where-to-watch-who-are-the-performers-535560">FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony: When and where to watch? Who are the performers?</a>

"If for 3 hours a day you cannot drink a beer, you will survive. Maybe there is a reason why in France, in Spain, in Scotland, alcohol is banned in stadiums. Maybe they are more intelligent than us, having thought maybe we should be doing that," he added.

While alcohol will not be permitted inside the stadium premises, fans can have beer at the 'FIFA Fan Festival' in the evenings. The Fan Festival is a designated area formed to cater to the fans and will have live music and other activities on offer.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-president-accuses-world-cup-critics-of-hypocrisy-for-targeting-qatar-over-human-rights-violation-535556">FIFA president accuses World Cup critics of 'hypocrisy' for targeting Qatar over human rights violation</a>

"Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from... stadium perimeters," FIFA said in a statement.

Millions of fans from around the globe are expected to throng Qatar in the coming days to witness the biggest football extravaganza. The country has made certain arrangements for the travelling fans but strict rules and regulations remain in place when it comes to alcohol consumption in the country.

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Several sponsors felt 'betrayed' and were left disappointed after Qatar recently confirmed it won't allow alcohol inside the stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches.

Several sponsors felt 'betrayed' and were left disappointed after Qatar recently confirmed it won't allow alcohol inside the stadium during the FIFA World Cup 2022 matches. The decision was met with widespread criticism from fans around the globe while sponsors are too reportedly not happy with the move. Gianni Infantino, the president of world football's governing body, revealed FIFA 'tried until the end' to convince the authorities in Qatar to allow beer to be sold inside the stadium during the World Cup. However, they failed in their efforts as the conservative Muslim nation had its way. Qatar had earlier agreed to beer sale inside the stadium during matches but made a U-turn on the decision earlier this week. Opening up on the sudden ban of alcohol from the stadiums, Infantino said fans can survive without beer for three hours during the games. "We tried until the end to see whether it was possible," Infantino said while opening up on Qatar's decision to ban alcohol inside the stadiums. Also Read: FIFA World Cup 2022 opening ceremony: When and where to watch? Who are the performers? "If for 3 hours a day you cannot drink a beer, you will survive. Maybe there is a reason why in France, in Spain, in Scotland, alcohol is banned in stadiums. Maybe they are more intelligent than us, having thought maybe we should be doing that," he added. While alcohol will not be permitted inside the stadium premises, fans can have beer at the 'FIFA Fan Festival' in the evenings. The Fan Festival is a designated area formed to cater to the fans and will have live music and other activities on offer. Also Read: FIFA president accuses World Cup critics of 'hypocrisy' for targeting Qatar over human rights violation "Following discussions between host country authorities and FIFA, a decision has been made to focus the sale of alcoholic beverages on the FIFA Fan Festival, other fan destinations and licensed venues, removing sales points of beer from... stadium perimeters," FIFA said in a statement. Millions of fans from around the globe are expected to throng Qatar in the coming days to witness the biggest football extravaganza. The country has made certain arrangements for the travelling fans but strict rules and regulations remain in place when it comes to alcohol consumption in the country. ×

If for 3 hours a day you can't drink a beer, you will survive: FIFA president on beer ban at Qatar World Cup

In his opening press conference for the World Cup in Qatar on Saturday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasised support for the LGBTQ community and migrant workers. “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.

Qatar World Cup 2022: FIFA Chief speaks on migrant workers

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hit out at the critics of host nation Qatar and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in his first press conference in Doha ahead of the start of the showpiece event. Infantino delivered a passionate speech to go all out in defending Qatar amid intense criticism of the nation over its human rights record.

Accusing the critics of 'hypocrisy', Infantino said the West's reporting of Qatar has been misleading while stating that they should not give one-sided moral lessons. Infantino's comments come amid continuous criticism of Qatar over its handling of the migrant workers and the country's blatant abuse of human rights.

"This moral lesson-giving -- one-sided -- is just hypocrisy. I don't want to give you any lessons of life, but what is going on here is profoundly, profoundly unjust," said the FIFA president while extending his support to the LGBT community and migrant workers.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-it-would-be-unfair-if-lionel-messi-doesnt-win-a-world-cup-feels-luis-enrique-535519">If not Spain, would like Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez to win the World Cup, says Luis Enrique</a>

"For what we Europeans have been doing for the last 3,000 years we should apologise for the next 3,000 years before starting giving moral lessons to people," he added.

Qatar, which is the first gulf nation to host the FIFA World Cup, has invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure the tournament turns out to be a success. However, the authorities in the nation have been regularly accused of abusing the migrant labours who worked at the construction sites to prepare the stadiums and the other infrastructure for the World Cup.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-several-sponsors-left-worried-after-qatar-did-a-u-turn-on-beer-sale-in-stadiums-535506">&nbsp;FIFA World Cup: Sponsors left worried after Qatar does a U-turn on beer sale in stadiums</a>

The death of migrant workers coupled with Qatar's strict rules against LGBT people has seen the tournament organisers facing falk from all corners. However, Infantino has stood in support of the World Cup organisers and said the hate spread against them has been unfair.

"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," said the FIFA president to begin his speech before launching a passionate defence of Qatar.

FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on Sunday, November 20 with host nation Qatar taking on Ecuador in Group A.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino hit out at the critics of host nation Qatar and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in his first press conference in Doha ahead of the start of the showpiece event.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino hit out at the critics of host nation Qatar and the FIFA World Cup 2022 in his first press conference in Doha ahead of the start of the showpiece event. Infantino delivered a passionate speech to go all out in defending Qatar amid intense criticism of the nation over its human rights record. Accusing the critics of 'hypocrisy', Infantino said the West's reporting of Qatar has been misleading while stating that they should not give one-sided moral lessons. Infantino's comments come amid continuous criticism of Qatar over its handling of the migrant workers and the country's blatant abuse of human rights. "This moral lesson-giving -- one-sided -- is just hypocrisy. I don't want to give you any lessons of life, but what is going on here is profoundly, profoundly unjust," said the FIFA president while extending his support to the LGBT community and migrant workers. Also Read: If not Spain, would like Lionel Messi or Luis Suarez to win the World Cup, says Luis Enrique "For what we Europeans have been doing for the last 3,000 years we should apologise for the next 3,000 years before starting giving moral lessons to people," he added. Qatar, which is the first gulf nation to host the FIFA World Cup, has invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure the tournament turns out to be a success. However, the authorities in the nation have been regularly accused of abusing the migrant labours who worked at the construction sites to prepare the stadiums and the other infrastructure for the World Cup. Also Read: FIFA World Cup: Sponsors left worried after Qatar does a U-turn on beer sale in stadiums The death of migrant workers coupled with Qatar's strict rules against LGBT people has seen the tournament organisers facing falk from all corners. However, Infantino has stood in support of the World Cup organisers and said the hate spread against them has been unfair. "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," said the FIFA president to begin his speech before launching a passionate defence of Qatar. FIFA World Cup 2022 will kick off on Sunday, November 20 with host nation Qatar taking on Ecuador in Group A. ×

FIFA president accuses World Cup critics of 'hypocrisy' for targeting Qatar over human rights violation

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday criticised television broadcasters who have offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's.

Infantino was speaking in Auckland hours before the draw for next year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and with women's football breaking new ground.

The World Cup in July-August will have 32 teams for the first time and global interest is anticipated to be at an all-time high.

But without naming specific broadcasters, Infantino said offers submitted for the television rights were far too low.

"Broadcasters offer us 100 times less than what they offer us for the men's World Cup," Infantino told reporters.

He accused television companies of "pushing us to do more for equality and at the same time we are not going to accept these offers".

Infantino said that FIFA had invested one billion dollars into women's football in recent years.

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The 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cups made a financial loss, but Infantino said: "The next World Cup will cost us around $400 million and we hope to break even."

For the first time, FIFA plans to sell the commercial rights separate from the men's tournament.

"We are trying to commercialise the Women's World Cup for the first time on its own," he said.

The FIFA boss also doubled down on assurances that gay fans who travel to Qatar for the men's World Cup next month will be safe, despite homosexuality being a criminal offence there.

"I have said it (before), I repeat it -- whatever nationality, background, gender, sexual orientation, everyone is welcome in Qatar," Infantino said.

Infantino also confirmed that the FIFA Clearing House, aimed at regulating the extra payments around transfer fees, will come into force on November 16.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/there-are-consequences-erik-ten-hag-confirms-cristiano-ronaldo-refused-to-come-on-as-a-sub-against-spurs-527429">'There are consequences': Erik Ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a sub against Spurs</a>

"This will finally bring some transparency and accountability into the whole transfer market," said Infantino.

"Payments to strange places or strange bank accounts will not be tolerated any more."

He said the transfer market currently generates about six to seven billion dollars every year and predicts the figure will rise.

"We want to control that and make sure the money goes where it is supposed to."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday criticised television broadcasters who have offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Saturday criticised television broadcasters who have offered "100 times less" to screen the Women's World Cup compared to the men's. Infantino was speaking in Auckland hours before the draw for next year's Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand, and with women's football breaking new ground. The World Cup in July-August will have 32 teams for the first time and global interest is anticipated to be at an all-time high. But without naming specific broadcasters, Infantino said offers submitted for the television rights were far too low. "Broadcasters offer us 100 times less than what they offer us for the men's World Cup," Infantino told reporters. He accused television companies of "pushing us to do more for equality and at the same time we are not going to accept these offers". Infantino said that FIFA had invested one billion dollars into women's football in recent years. Also Read: Kylian Mbappe scores twice as PSG beat Ajaccio 3-0 in Ligue1 The 2015 and 2019 Women's World Cups made a financial loss, but Infantino said: "The next World Cup will cost us around $400 million and we hope to break even." For the first time, FIFA plans to sell the commercial rights separate from the men's tournament. "We are trying to commercialise the Women's World Cup for the first time on its own," he said. The FIFA boss also doubled down on assurances that gay fans who travel to Qatar for the men's World Cup next month will be safe, despite homosexuality being a criminal offence there. "I have said it (before), I repeat it -- whatever nationality, background, gender, sexual orientation, everyone is welcome in Qatar," Infantino said. Infantino also confirmed that the FIFA Clearing House, aimed at regulating the extra payments around transfer fees, will come into force on November 16. Also Read: 'There are consequences': Erik Ten Hag confirms Cristiano Ronaldo refused to come on as a sub against Spurs "This will finally bring some transparency and accountability into the whole transfer market," said Infantino. "Payments to strange places or strange bank accounts will not be tolerated any more." He said the transfer market currently generates about six to seven billion dollars every year and predicts the figure will rise. "We want to control that and make sure the money goes where it is supposed to."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says broadcasters offer '100 times less' for Women's World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino accused those opposed to altering the frequency of the World Cup to every two years of being scared of change and wanting to keep their elevated status in the game as Africa on Friday backed the plans.

In a veiled dig at confederations in Europe and South America, who have come out against the plan to change the current four-year-cycle, Infantino said they did not want things to change because they were at the top of the sport.

He was speaking at the Confederation of African Football congress in Cairo, where African countries on Friday unanimously voted for a resolution backing his plan to change the hosting of the World Cup to every two years.

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"Those who are against it are those at the top. It happens in every sector of life when there are reforms and changes, those who are at the top don't want anything to change because they are at the top,"&nbsp;said Infantino.

"And they are afraid maybe that if something changes, their leadership position is at risk."

"We understand that and we compliment and applaud them for having been so successful in reaching the top. This is fantastic, and they are an example for everyone."

"But at the same time, we cannot close the door, we need to keep the door open, we need to give hope and opportunities,” he added.

"Infantino insisted increasing the frequency of the hosting of FIFA’s flagship event would offer more opportunities to countries outside of the top tier of the world game."

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"We need to offer more chances for world football, for African football to shine at the world stage."

Infantino said he would continue to consult opinion on his proposal but gave no timeline for its possible implementation.

UEFA has said a new schedule would have an adverse impact on the balance between local, domestic, continental, and international competitions.

CONMEBOL, the South American body, said the project "turns its back on almost 100 years of world football tradition". 
The World Cup will increase its number of finalists from 32 to 48 at the 2026 edition, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino accused those opposed to altering the frequency of the World Cup to every two years of being scared of change and wanting to keep their elevated status in the game as Africa on Friday backed the plans.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino accused those opposed to altering the frequency of the World Cup to every two years of being scared of change and wanting to keep their elevated status in the game as Africa on Friday backed the plans. In a veiled dig at confederations in Europe and South America, who have come out against the plan to change the current four-year-cycle, Infantino said they did not want things to change because they were at the top of the sport. He was speaking at the Confederation of African Football congress in Cairo, where African countries on Friday unanimously voted for a resolution backing his plan to change the hosting of the World Cup to every two years. ALSO READ: Father of daughters Mara and Dona, names newborn son Diego on football legend's first death anniversary "Those who are against it are those at the top. It happens in every sector of life when there are reforms and changes, those who are at the top don't want anything to change because they are at the top," said Infantino. "And they are afraid maybe that if something changes, their leadership position is at risk." "We understand that and we compliment and applaud them for having been so successful in reaching the top. This is fantastic, and they are an example for everyone." "But at the same time, we cannot close the door, we need to keep the door open, we need to give hope and opportunities,” he added. "Infantino insisted increasing the frequency of the hosting of FIFA’s flagship event would offer more opportunities to countries outside of the top tier of the world game." IN PICS: One year without Diego Maradona: World remembers one of football's greatest "We need to offer more chances for world football, for African football to shine at the world stage." Infantino said he would continue to consult opinion on his proposal but gave no timeline for its possible implementation. UEFA has said a new schedule would have an adverse impact on the balance between local, domestic, continental, and international competitions. CONMEBOL, the South American body, said the project "turns its back on almost 100 years of world football tradition". The World Cup will increase its number of finalists from 32 to 48 at the 2026 edition, which is being co-hosted by Canada, Mexico and the U.S.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says those opposed to World Cup change scared

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday said that he strongly backs an expanded Club World Cup in a bid to boost international competitions between clubs.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"We are focusing on world competition in the Club World Cup, for example, to have not only one club present from each confederation, but more participation because we need to boost club football all over the world,"&nbsp;Infaninto&nbsp;told AFP.&nbsp;

In the year 2021, there are two Club World Cups being held with Qatar currently hosting the ongoing edition that was delayed from&nbsp;COVID-19 hit 2020. The second Club World Cup tournament for the year 2021 is scheduled to be held in Japan in December.&nbsp;

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A revamped 24-team Club World Cup, including eight clubs from Europe, was due to be held in China this year.&nbsp;However, the deferment of Euro 2020 and Copa America tournaments, the expanded edition of the Club World Cup will not commence until a later date.&nbsp;

An enlarged tournament could help address growing calls for "super leagues" of top regional and global clubs -- leading European clubs are believed to be keen to create a European Super League.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Infantino did not say on Thursday when the new Club World Cup format might begin.&nbsp;

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"(But) we have already decided that the new Club World Cup will be featuring 24 teams from all different continents," he told AFP.&nbsp;

"We will still have to find the right slot for the new Club World Cup with 24 teams. It's obviously not an easy challenge in this period where everything is congested anyway.&nbsp;

"If we need to wait one year longer then we'll do that."&nbsp;

&nbsp;

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday said that he strongly backs an expanded Club World Cup in a bid to boost international competitions between clubs. "We are focusing on world competition in the Club World Cup, for example, to have not only one club present from each confederation, but more participation because we need to boost club football all over the world," Infaninto told AFP.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Thursday said that he strongly backs an expanded Club World Cup in a bid to boost international competitions between clubs. "We are focusing on world competition in the Club World Cup, for example, to have not only one club present from each confederation, but more participation because we need to boost club football all over the world," Infaninto told AFP. In the year 2021, there are two Club World Cups being held with Qatar currently hosting the ongoing edition that was delayed from COVID-19 hit 2020. The second Club World Cup tournament for the year 2021 is scheduled to be held in Japan in December. ALSO READ: Football bosses demand Twitter, Facebook to tackle 'havens of abuse' A revamped 24-team Club World Cup, including eight clubs from Europe, was due to be held in China this year. However, the deferment of Euro 2020 and Copa America tournaments, the expanded edition of the Club World Cup will not commence until a later date. An enlarged tournament could help address growing calls for "super leagues" of top regional and global clubs -- leading European clubs are believed to be keen to create a European Super League. Infantino did not say on Thursday when the new Club World Cup format might begin. ALSO READ: Manchester City see off Swansea to rack up record 15th straight win "(But) we have already decided that the new Club World Cup will be featuring 24 teams from all different continents," he told AFP. "We will still have to find the right slot for the new Club World Cup with 24 teams. It's obviously not an easy challenge in this period where everything is congested anyway. "If we need to wait one year longer then we'll do that."

FIFA focusing on enlarged Club World Cup, says Gianni Infantino

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has tested positive for COVID-19, global soccer’s governing body said on Tuesday.

Infantino, who is 50 years old, has reported mild symptoms and is in self-isolation and will quarantine for at least 10 days, FIFA added in a statement.

“All people who came into contact with the FIFA President during the last few days have been informed accordingly and they are being requested to take the necessary steps,” the statement said. “FIFA sincerely wishes President Infantino a speedy recovery.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has tested positive for COVID-19, global soccer’s governing body said on Tuesday. Infantino, who is 50 years old, has reported mild symptoms and is in self-isolation and will quarantine for at least 10 days, FIFA added in a statement.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has tested positive for COVID-19, global soccer’s governing body said on Tuesday. Infantino, who is 50 years old, has reported mild symptoms and is in self-isolation and will quarantine for at least 10 days, FIFA added in a statement. “All people who came into contact with the FIFA President during the last few days have been informed accordingly and they are being requested to take the necessary steps,” the statement said. “FIFA sincerely wishes President Infantino a speedy recovery.”

FIFA President Infantino tests positive for COVID-19

FIFA's ethics committee on Wednesday decided to close its case against president Gianni Infantino, who is facing a criminal probe in Switzerland over suspected collusion with the country's top prosecutor.&nbsp;

"After examining the relevant documentation and evidence, the chairperson of the investigatory chamber has decided to file the complaint and close the case due to the evident lack of a prima facie case regarding any alleged breach of the FIFA Code of Ethics," FIFA said in a statement.

Infantino, in charge of world football's governing body since 2016, is the subject of an investigation by the Swiss prosecutor over suspected collusion between him and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, who resigned last month over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA.

FIFA's investigatory chamber had opened a preliminary investigation into Infantino following reports of alleged ethics breaches, "including the booking by FIFA of a private flight from Suriname to Geneva and meetings between the FIFA President with Michael Lauber."

But the independent judicial body determined there was insufficient evidence to warrant further pursuing the case.

"Based on the information available to date, no aspect of the conduct analysed constitutes a violation of the FIFA regulations – some aspects do not even fall within the provisions of the FIFA Code of Ethics, or justify the adoption of any kind of measure, including that of a provisional suspension," the statement added.

Infantino had already insisted he had "nothing to hide" despite Swiss prosecutors launching a criminal probe against him.

In a letter sent to FIFA's 211 members Infantino said there were no "factual grounds for the opening of a criminal investigation".

Infantino and Lauber are said to have held a series of secret meetings in 2016 and 2017, but the FIFA head said the meetings were about restoring "public trust in our institution" after a series of scandals.

Infantino claims that those meetings "were in no way secret and most certainly not illegal".

An anti-corruption lawyer representing Infantino said earlier Wednesday he believed the case would be dismissed.

Jean-Pierre Mean, an anti-corruption specialist hired by FIFA on behalf of Infantino in May, told AFP: "There is nothing wrong with meeting with a lawyer, even informally. It is quite usual and absolutely not criminal."

The procedure against Infantino, Mean continued, "only mentions an anonymous complaint".

"We still haven't seen it. We will have access to the file when Mr. Infantino is heard."

FIFA also revealed Wednesday the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its revenue was expected to remain "comparatively low", with much of the organisation's commercial rights having already been sold.

It predicted a positive result of $100 million (83 million euros) in its revised 2019-22 budget, with the cancellation of next year's Confederations Cup and postponement of the revamped Club World Cup partially offset by other revenue streams.

FIFA's ethics committee on Wednesday decided to close its case against president Gianni Infantino, who is facing a criminal probe in Switzerland over suspected collusion with the country's top prosecutor.

FIFA's ethics committee on Wednesday decided to close its case against president Gianni Infantino, who is facing a criminal probe in Switzerland over suspected collusion with the country's top prosecutor. "After examining the relevant documentation and evidence, the chairperson of the investigatory chamber has decided to file the complaint and close the case due to the evident lack of a prima facie case regarding any alleged breach of the FIFA Code of Ethics," FIFA said in a statement. Infantino, in charge of world football's governing body since 2016, is the subject of an investigation by the Swiss prosecutor over suspected collusion between him and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, who resigned last month over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA. FIFA's investigatory chamber had opened a preliminary investigation into Infantino following reports of alleged ethics breaches, "including the booking by FIFA of a private flight from Suriname to Geneva and meetings between the FIFA President with Michael Lauber." But the independent judicial body determined there was insufficient evidence to warrant further pursuing the case. "Based on the information available to date, no aspect of the conduct analysed constitutes a violation of the FIFA regulations – some aspects do not even fall within the provisions of the FIFA Code of Ethics, or justify the adoption of any kind of measure, including that of a provisional suspension," the statement added. Infantino had already insisted he had "nothing to hide" despite Swiss prosecutors launching a criminal probe against him. In a letter sent to FIFA's 211 members Infantino said there were no "factual grounds for the opening of a criminal investigation". Infantino and Lauber are said to have held a series of secret meetings in 2016 and 2017, but the FIFA head said the meetings were about restoring "public trust in our institution" after a series of scandals. Infantino claims that those meetings "were in no way secret and most certainly not illegal". An anti-corruption lawyer representing Infantino said earlier Wednesday he believed the case would be dismissed. Jean-Pierre Mean, an anti-corruption specialist hired by FIFA on behalf of Infantino in May, told AFP: "There is nothing wrong with meeting with a lawyer, even informally. It is quite usual and absolutely not criminal." The procedure against Infantino, Mean continued, "only mentions an anonymous complaint". "We still haven't seen it. We will have access to the file when Mr. Infantino is heard." FIFA also revealed Wednesday the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on its revenue was expected to remain "comparatively low", with much of the organisation's commercial rights having already been sold. It predicted a positive result of $100 million (83 million euros) in its revised 2019-22 budget, with the cancellation of next year's Confederations Cup and postponement of the revamped Club World Cup partially offset by other revenue streams.

FIFA ethics committee drops Infantino case

An anti-corruption lawyer representing FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is facing a criminal probe in Switzerland, said Wednesday he believed the case would be dismissed.

"I am completely confident there'll be a dismissal," lawyer Jean-Pierre Mean told AFP.

Infantino, in charge of world football's governing body since 2016, is the subject of an investigation by the Swiss prosecutor over suspected collusion between him and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, who resigned last month over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA.

However, Infantino has already insisted he had "nothing to hide".

In a letter sent to FIFA's 211 members Infantino said there were no "factual grounds for the opening of a criminal investigation".

Infantino and Lauber are said to have held a series of secret meetings in 2016 and 2017, but the FIFA head said the meetings were about restoring "public trust in our institution" after a series of scandals.

Infantino claims that those meetings "were in no way secret and most certainly not illegal".

Lawyer Mean, an anti-corruption specialist hired by FIFA on behalf of Infantino in May, added: "There is nothing wrong with meeting with a lawyer, even informally. It is quite usual and absolutely not criminal."

The procedure against Infantino, Mean continued, "only mentions an anonymous complaint".

"We still haven't seen it. We will have access to the file when Mr. Infantino is heard."

An anti-corruption lawyer representing FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is facing a criminal probe in Switzerland, said Wednesday he believed the case would be dismissed.

An anti-corruption lawyer representing FIFA president Gianni Infantino, who is facing a criminal probe in Switzerland, said Wednesday he believed the case would be dismissed. "I am completely confident there'll be a dismissal," lawyer Jean-Pierre Mean told AFP. Infantino, in charge of world football's governing body since 2016, is the subject of an investigation by the Swiss prosecutor over suspected collusion between him and Swiss Attorney General Michael Lauber, who resigned last month over his handling of a corruption investigation targeting FIFA. However, Infantino has already insisted he had "nothing to hide". In a letter sent to FIFA's 211 members Infantino said there were no "factual grounds for the opening of a criminal investigation". Infantino and Lauber are said to have held a series of secret meetings in 2016 and 2017, but the FIFA head said the meetings were about restoring "public trust in our institution" after a series of scandals. Infantino claims that those meetings "were in no way secret and most certainly not illegal". Lawyer Mean, an anti-corruption specialist hired by FIFA on behalf of Infantino in May, added: "There is nothing wrong with meeting with a lawyer, even informally. It is quite usual and absolutely not criminal." The procedure against Infantino, Mean continued, "only mentions an anonymous complaint". "We still haven't seen it. We will have access to the file when Mr. Infantino is heard."

Lawyer for FIFA boss Infantino confident of case dismissal

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will continue in his post, world football's governing body insisted Sunday, as they blasted the launch of Swiss criminal proceedings against him.

"There was and is absolutely no reason to open any investigation because nothing remotely criminal has happened and there is nothing at all to suggest any form of criminal wrongdoing," FIFA said in a media release.

"The FIFA president will continue to fully assume his functions within FIFA and fulfil his duties and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in Switzerland and around the world."

Special prosecutor Stefan Keller started proceedings on Thursday as part of an investigation into suspected collusion between Infantino and Switzerland's attorney general Michael Lauber, the country's top prosecutor.

Lauber, who offered his resignation on July 24, was in charge of Switzerland's probe into the towering corruption scandal that exploded at the heart of Zurich-based FIFA in 2015.

But he was forced to recuse himself from the investigation in June 2019, following media revelations that he had held several undeclared meetings with Infantino during the probe.

Swiss authorities said Keller "reached the conclusion that... there are indications of criminal conduct" in relation to meetings between Infantino, Lauber and another official, Rinaldo Arnold, in 2016 and 2017.

"This concerns abuse of public office, breach of official secrecy, assisting offenders and incitement to these acts," the authorities said.

<h2>- Categorical denial -</h2>

FIFA hit back on Sunday, accusing Keller of having brought forward no legal grounds for his probe.

"Keller has presented no serious elements or legal basis for the opening of any investigation and lacks any detail as to the substance of the case.

"FIFA and the FIFA president categorically deny any implication or suggestion that the FIFA president would ever have attempted to exert any form of improper influence" on Lauber.

FIFA said it was "not illegal anywhere in the world" to meet a prosecutor.

It said the meeting between Infantino and Lauber was "entirely logical" given that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) was conducting investigations in more than 20 cases in FIFA-related matters.

The organisation said such meetings or contacts were "routine" during an investigation.

It said the point of the meeting was to offer FIFA's "full support" for the investigations, and Infantino attended in "good faith".

"FIFA was trying to restore trust in the institution at that time," it said, finding itself "in a disastrous situation and at risk of being designated a criminal organisation by the US authorities".

FIFA said that "in no way whatsoever" were the meetings secret, and they had been arranged by the OAG.

<h2>- 'No obligation' to keep minutes -</h2>

FIFA claimed that meeting a prosecutor was "the best guarantee that any such meeting is legitimate".

It also insisted there was "no obligation" on the FIFA president to keep minutes of such meetings.

Switzerland has pursued a number of cases since a raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich in May 2015 led to the arrests of a several FIFA executives and exposed an allegedly corrupt underbelly in world football.

In total, more than 20 FIFA proceedings have been opened in Switzerland over the past five years into allegations of corruption and vote-buying, and allegations over the awarding of television rights contracts.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will continue in his post, world football's governing body insisted Sunday, as they blasted the launch of Swiss criminal proceedings against him.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino will continue in his post, world football's governing body insisted Sunday, as they blasted the launch of Swiss criminal proceedings against him. "There was and is absolutely no reason to open any investigation because nothing remotely criminal has happened and there is nothing at all to suggest any form of criminal wrongdoing," FIFA said in a media release. "The FIFA president will continue to fully assume his functions within FIFA and fulfil his duties and will continue to cooperate with the authorities in Switzerland and around the world." Special prosecutor Stefan Keller started proceedings on Thursday as part of an investigation into suspected collusion between Infantino and Switzerland's attorney general Michael Lauber, the country's top prosecutor. Lauber, who offered his resignation on July 24, was in charge of Switzerland's probe into the towering corruption scandal that exploded at the heart of Zurich-based FIFA in 2015. But he was forced to recuse himself from the investigation in June 2019, following media revelations that he had held several undeclared meetings with Infantino during the probe. Swiss authorities said Keller "reached the conclusion that... there are indications of criminal conduct" in relation to meetings between Infantino, Lauber and another official, Rinaldo Arnold, in 2016 and 2017. "This concerns abuse of public office, breach of official secrecy, assisting offenders and incitement to these acts," the authorities said. - Categorical denial - FIFA hit back on Sunday, accusing Keller of having brought forward no legal grounds for his probe. "Keller has presented no serious elements or legal basis for the opening of any investigation and lacks any detail as to the substance of the case. "FIFA and the FIFA president categorically deny any implication or suggestion that the FIFA president would ever have attempted to exert any form of improper influence" on Lauber. FIFA said it was "not illegal anywhere in the world" to meet a prosecutor. It said the meeting between Infantino and Lauber was "entirely logical" given that the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) was conducting investigations in more than 20 cases in FIFA-related matters. The organisation said such meetings or contacts were "routine" during an investigation. It said the point of the meeting was to offer FIFA's "full support" for the investigations, and Infantino attended in "good faith". "FIFA was trying to restore trust in the institution at that time," it said, finding itself "in a disastrous situation and at risk of being designated a criminal organisation by the US authorities". FIFA said that "in no way whatsoever" were the meetings secret, and they had been arranged by the OAG. - 'No obligation' to keep minutes - FIFA claimed that meeting a prosecutor was "the best guarantee that any such meeting is legitimate". It also insisted there was "no obligation" on the FIFA president to keep minutes of such meetings. Switzerland has pursued a number of cases since a raid on a luxury hotel in Zurich in May 2015 led to the arrests of a several FIFA executives and exposed an allegedly corrupt underbelly in world football. In total, more than 20 FIFA proceedings have been opened in Switzerland over the past five years into allegations of corruption and vote-buying, and allegations over the awarding of television rights contracts.

Infantino staying on as FIFA blasts Swiss probe

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said that footballers in German Bundesliga calling for justice for George Floyd during matches deserve to be applauded rather than handed sanctions. Not only Bundesliga players but athletes across sports including biggest names in Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff and English Premier League clubs and players have joined the protest in different forms. While some have put out a statement, others have simply changed their social media display pictures to black in support of #BlackLivesMatter.

The German Football Association (DFB) is currently investigating Borussia Dortmund duo Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram and FC Schalke’s American midfielder Weston McKennie.&nbsp;

Floyd died last week after a white policeman in Minneapolis kneeled on the handcuffed American-African’s neck for around nine minutes and the incident sparked violent protests across the United States.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/blacklivesmatter-tiger-woods-darren-sammy-join-growing-list-sportspersons-to-raise-voice-against-george-floyds-death-302653" hreflang="en">#BlackLivesMatter: Tiger Woods, Darren Sammy join growing list sportspersons to raise voice against George Floyd's death</a>

"For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment," Infantino said in a FIFA statement.

"We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination. We all must say no to violence. Any form of violence."

Earlier, FIFA called on football leagues to use “common sense” when deciding on sanctions for footballers for displaying political messages.&nbsp;

"FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case," world football's governing body said in a statement.

The German football association is investigating the players, as per IFAB’s laws even though president Fritz Keller said he understood the situation.&nbsp;

"If people are discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, it is unbearable," said Keller.

"If they die as a result of the colour of their skin, then I am deeply disturbed. The victims of racism need all of our solidarity."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said that footballers in German Bundesliga calling for justice for George Floyd during matches deserve to be applauded rather than handed sanctions.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino on Tuesday said that footballers in German Bundesliga calling for justice for George Floyd during matches deserve to be applauded rather than handed sanctions. Not only Bundesliga players but athletes across sports including biggest names in Tiger Woods, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, Lewis Hamilton, Coco Gauff and English Premier League clubs and players have joined the protest in different forms. While some have put out a statement, others have simply changed their social media display pictures to black in support of #BlackLivesMatter. The German Football Association (DFB) is currently investigating Borussia Dortmund duo Jadon Sancho and Achraf Hakimi, Borussia Monchengladbach’s Marcus Thuram and FC Schalke’s American midfielder Weston McKennie. Floyd died last week after a white policeman in Minneapolis kneeled on the handcuffed American-African’s neck for around nine minutes and the incident sparked violent protests across the United States. ALSO READ: #BlackLivesMatter: Tiger Woods, Darren Sammy join growing list sportspersons to raise voice against George Floyd's death "For the avoidance of doubt, in a FIFA competition the recent demonstrations of players in Bundesliga matches would deserve an applause and not a punishment," Infantino said in a FIFA statement. "We all must say no to racism and any form of discrimination. We all must say no to violence. Any form of violence." Earlier, FIFA called on football leagues to use “common sense” when deciding on sanctions for footballers for displaying political messages. "FIFA fully understands the depth of sentiment and concerns expressed by many footballers in light of the tragic circumstances of the George Floyd case," world football's governing body said in a statement. The German football association is investigating the players, as per IFAB’s laws even though president Fritz Keller said he understood the situation. "If people are discriminated against because of the colour of their skin, it is unbearable," said Keller. "If they die as a result of the colour of their skin, then I am deeply disturbed. The victims of racism need all of our solidarity."

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says players calls for George Floyd justice should be 'applauded'

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