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"Chill and relax?" FIFA president sparks outrage with comments on Somali referee expulsion
🇰🇷 South Korea /Sports

"Chill and relax?" FIFA president sparks outrage with comments on Somali referee expulsion

From Chosun Ilbo · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

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  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn criticism for his remarks at a press conference ahead of the North American World Cup opener.
  • Infantino responded to critics of the tournament, including issues like the denial of entry for a Somali referee, by telling them to "chill and relax."
  • The comments have angered fans and media, who view them as dismissive of legitimate concerns about the World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is once again at the center of controversy following remarks made during a press conference on Tuesday, June 11 (KST), at the Azteca Stadium, the eve of the North American World Cup's opening match between Mexico and South Africa.

Infantino's comments were a response to critics raising concerns about the tournament, including the reported denial of entry for a Somali referee. Instead of addressing the issues directly, the FIFA president advised the critics to "Chill, Relax."

These remarks have ignited a strong backlash from fans and the media, who perceive them as dismissive and out of touch with the challenges and criticisms surrounding the World Cup. The sentiment is that Infantino's response trivializes legitimate concerns and fails to acknowledge potential problems within the organization or the event itself.

Chill, Relax.

— Gianni InfantinoFIFA President Gianni Infantino's response to critics of the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Chosun Ilbo in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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