FIFA President Infantino urges focus on football amid controversies

Amidst a backdrop of mounting controversies, FIFA President Gianni Infantino implored journalists to shift their focus back to football during a press conference in Mexico City. The press event, held on the eve of the World Cup's opening match, saw Infantino attempt to steer the conversation away from contentious issues.

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Chill out! Relax! We are working on finding a solution.

Infantino addressed several 'hot topics,' including the situation in Iran, concerns over ticket prices, and the case of a Somali referee who was denied entry into the United States. While expressing regret over the referee's situation, Infantino urged for calm, stating, "Chill out! Relax! We are working on finding a solution."

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Without his involvement and his commitment (referring to Trump), it would not have been possible to organize the World Cup.

The FIFA president also took the opportunity to praise former U.S. President Donald Trump, defending the decision to award the World Cup to the USA. Infantino credited Trump's "engagement" for making the tournament possible, stating that Trump "immediately understood the scale and power of football." This defense comes despite criticism regarding FIFA's close relationship with Trump and a controversial peace prize Infantino awarded him last year. The press conference occurred shortly after the French sports newspaper L'Équipe published a politically charged front page, featuring a photomontage critical of Trump and Infantino.

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He immediately understood the scale and power of football.