This is a new decision on the part of Gianni Infantino which still risks getting people talking. Strongly criticized for his plan to “sell” the World Cup – aiming to open up the capital of the competition’s commercial rights to private investors – the FIFA president announces that he is maintaining another equally controversial project.
In a video published by the governing body, Infantino set the tone: “We, football leaders, talk too much. Sometimes maybe we should talk less and let the ball do the talking instead. This means letting the children play. We are now going to organize, this year, for the first time the Under-15 World Cup to which all 211 FIFA countries are invited. »
This “youth festival” will bring together more than 4,000 young footballers next October alongside Azerbaijan, designated host country last June. “We want to make football completely global, everywhere on the planet”added the boss of FIFA, candidate for his own re-election in March 2027.
Infantino confident despite criticism
In the midst of tensions, with several federations demanding his departure from FIFA and pressure from UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, the Swiss-Italian-Lebanese leader tried to give a calming speech. “
A lot has happened in recent weeks and it is important that you hear, that you listen, that you can also express your feelings,” he recalled, before concluding.
“Overall, it’s very positive. I’m happy with all the support I get here. There are also a few questions asked of me. But obviously, these questions are predictable given what is circulating in the media. The important thing is to be able to answer these questions in the right way, with a clear conscience. »
