Infantino apologises for jokes about British fans

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised for comments he made about British football supporters, which drew criticism from fan groups.

Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last month, Infantino had remarked it was “really special” that no British nationals were arrested during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

The Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) responded by urging him to focus on affordable ticketing for the upcoming 2026 World Cup rather than “making cheap jokes about fans.”

In an interview with Sky News, Infantino clarified that his comments were intended as a light-hearted remark to highlight the peaceful nature of the Qatar tournament. He apologised to fans from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, stressing it was not his intention to offend.

He also acknowledged he was wrong to suggest English fans “just go and riot around the world,” adding that he is a “huge fan of English football.”

Infantino further defended FIFA’s decision to award US President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize before the 2026 World Cup draw in December.

He said the award was designed to recognise individuals who had taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace” and insisted that Trump “deserves it,” citing his role in conflict resolution.

On broader governance issues, Infantino said FIFA will consider lifting the ban on Russian football clubs and national teams, imposed in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.

He argued that the suspension had not achieved its intended effect and suggested that allowing Russian youth to participate in football abroad could help reduce frustration.

He also rejected calls to ban Israel from international competition, saying FIFA should explore changes to its statutes to prevent political boycotts. “We should never ban any country from playing football because of the acts of their political leaders,” Infantino said, adding that football must remain a platform for keeping ties open.

Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, emphasised that the organisation’s role is to unite people through sport, even amid political tensions.