Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022: Infantino speech shows FIFA has no enthusiasm for change

He demanded countries focus on football, but president Gianni Infantino couldn’t take his own advice in a farcical speech that proves FIFA is stuck in the dark ages.

So much for focusing on the football.

In his wild address to the world’s media to open football’s showpiece event, FIFA president Gianni Infantino did little – if anything – to dispel the concerns that have plagued the Qatar tournament or enhance the excitement for the on-pitch action at this World Cup.

If anything, he simply cemented the view that the world’s governing body for football is stuck in the dark ages, with its head in the sand and boasting little enthusiasm to ever change.

For months – years, even – Infantino and FIFA have hoped that the issues surrounding their controversial decision to award the World Cup to Qatar would dissipate.

That the football would take over and steal the spotlight.

But with a remarkable speech that will go down in history, largely for reasons other than those Infantino intended, he ensured that whatever happens in the next six weeks, the on-field results will always be secondary when this World Cup is remembered.

Perhaps that was always going to be the case.

Gianni Infantino’s remarkable speech will go down in history for all the wrong reasons. Picture: Christopher Lee/Getty Images

Two weeks ago, when Infantino and secretary general Fatma Samoura sent a formal letter to the football federations of all competing nations urging them to “focus on the football”, in a desperate bid to drive the narrative away from the social and human rights issues which have plagued Qatar’s 12-year build up to this tournament.

The message – a more long-winded version of ‘shut up and dribble’ – went down like a lead balloon to many of the 32 countries who will fight for the priceless gold trophy over the coming six weeks.

The likes of the USA, who unveiled a rainbow-themed logo at their training centre, and Denmark, through coach Kasper Hjulmand who declared the Danes ‘will not be silenced’ on human rights issues, clearly took little notice of it.

And it seems neither did Infantino.

Because, barely 24 hours out from the game between the host nation and Ecuador, Infantino stole back the spotlight for himself and opened FIFA up for ridicule once more.

It was the height of hypocrisy from a man who himself accused Western critics of double standards over their attacks on Qatar.

“We are told to make many lessons from some Europeans, from the western world,” Infantino said.

“I think for what we Europeans have been doing for 3,000 years around the world, we should be apologising for the next 3,000 years before starting to give moral lessons to people.”

Infantino’s tone was one of strict school teacher, scolding the media. But he is treading down a path of Sepp Blatterism; where he forgets his role and thinks he can solve the world’s geopolitical and cultural problems.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino seems to be doing what he demanded of football federations two weeks ago, focussing on the football. Picture: GABRIEL BOUYS / AFP

At least that’s one conclusion to draw from his farcical suggestion of pitching North Korea as a Women’s World Cup host – alongside South Korea.

“Football brings people together. If we want to organise an event in North Korea, I actually went to North Korea some years ago to ask if they were ready to host part of a Women’s World Cup with South Korea,” he added.

“I was not successful, obviously. But I’m still convinced… This particular World Cup will help to open the eyes of the world.”

Infantino, who is confirmed to be running unopposed for the FIFA presidency again next year, implored critics to leave Qatar alone and to direct all fury at him. And he may get his wish over the next 24 hours.

“If you want to criticise someone, criticise me, I am here, crucify me. Don’t criticise Qatar. Criticise FIFA, criticise me,” he said.

And so, after an incredible performance, Infantino finished his 55-minute rant perhaps the way he should’ve started it.

“Now, onto the World Cup…”

Originally published as Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022: Infantino speech shows FIFA has no enthusiasm for change