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Shkruar nga Paolo Tomaselli
In an analysis published by "Corriere della Sera", it is noted that the former appeal of FIFA president Gianni Infantino to keep politics out of football has now been called into question by the developments surrounding the World Cup and his relationship with US President Donald Trump.
The newspaper recalls Infantino's statement on the eve of the World Cup in Qatar, when debates about human and workers' rights threatened to overshadow the sporting aspect of the tournament. At that time, he called on everyone to focus only on football. According to the author of the analysis, today this call has been overshadowed by the political interference that has accompanied the organization of the tournament.
The article notes that major FIFA decisions, such as the process for selecting the 2030 and 2034 World Cup hosts, have been criticized for a lack of transparency. According to the analysis, only the Norwegian Football Association has openly objected to the way the process was conducted, considering it inappropriate.
The analysis also mentions several episodes related to the current tournament, including the treatment of the Iranian national team, restrictions on entry into the United States and the case of a Somali referee who was refused entry into the country. According to “Corriere della Sera”, these events have prompted criticism that politics has directly influenced the organization of the sport.
The author argues that Gianni Infantino has tried to maintain close relations with the US administration to guarantee the organizational success of the World Cup, holding several meetings at the White House. However, according to the newspaper, this closeness has exposed FIFA to criticism for violating the principle of independence from politics.
In this context, "Corriere della Sera" also brings up Infantino's motto about the role of football in uniting the world, but notes that the boundary between sports and politics has become increasingly blurred.
The article also quotes FIFA's communications director, Brian Swanson, who, responding to criticism raised by the British media outlet "The Guardian", stated:
" FIFA should be recognized for what it is: a global governing body that wants to make the world's future brighter ."
According to the analysis of "Corriere della Sera", Infantino's relations with the Arab world and his role in diplomatic initiatives are part of his vision to use football as an international instrument of influence. However, the newspaper points out that this approach has sparked debates about the boundary between sports diplomacy and FIFA's political involvement./" Corriere della Sera "
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