Friday 06/February/2026 – 12:25 AM
foot Gianni InfantinoPresident of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA), issued an official apology to British football fans, following a widespread wave of anger sparked by statements he made recently that many considered offensive to fans.
Infantino apologizes to British fans after controversial joke about the 2022 World Cup
In an attempt to contain the crisis, Infantino confirmed, in statements reported by British media, that his statements were misunderstood, stressing that he did not intend to offend any party, describing what he said as a passing remark.
The FIFA President explained that his goal was to confirm that the World Cup in Qatar witnessed a peaceful and festive atmosphere, before offering a direct apology to the fans of Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, stressing that his words were not directed to offend them in any way.
Infantino also acknowledged that his statements were misinterpreted, especially the comments that suggested that English fans were causing riots around the world, stressing his rejection of such stereotypes.
This controversy comes at a time when the United States, Canada and Mexico are preparing to host the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to start next June.
Infantino’s statements anger the British fans
Infantino made statements during a speech he delivered at the World Economic Forum in Davos last month, while talking about the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where he said jokingly, according to The Sun newspaper: For the first time in history, no Briton was arrested during the World Cup… Imagine, this is a very special thing.
Although the statement was made in jest, it was met with sharp criticism from football fans in the United Kingdom, as fan groups, led by the Football Supporters’ Union, considered that the FIFA president’s speech lacked respect and reinforced negative stereotypes about British fans.
The Football Fans Association called on Infantino to focus on fundamental issues, such as the rise in match ticket prices, instead of making what it described as “silly jokes,” in an official statement issued after the incident.
The criticism extended to social media, where fans accused the FIFA president of perpetuating an old stereotype about the behavior of English fans in international tournaments.
