Politicians, private jets and power: The life of a FIFA president
Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces backlash over a plan to sell a stake in the men's World Cup to private equity firms.
- Infantino's travel arrangements, including the use of a Qatar Airways Executive jet and presidential-style motorcades, highlight his powerful global role.
- European football bodies, like UEFA, have threatened to boycott FIFA tournaments, a stance that will be tested by the upcoming U-20 World Cup.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, travels the globe in presidential style, recently arriving in Bogota for the inauguration of Colombia's new president. His close ties with figures like Ramon Jesurun, president of the Colombian Football Federation, and his past relationship with US President Donald Trump underscore his influential position.
Infantino's tenure has been marked by controversy, most notably the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan. This initiative aimed to sell a stake in the men's World Cup to private equity firms, drawing significant criticism and an apology from Infantino. Despite the backlash, he appears determined to continue his work, seemingly emboldened by support from outside Europe.
However, challenges remain. UEFA's threat to boycott FIFA tournaments looms, with the upcoming U-20 World Cup in Poland set to test this stance. Infantino's extensive travel, including using a Qatar Airways Executive jet and requiring presidential-level motorcades, illustrates the global reach and demands of his role, which involves visiting FIFA's 211 member nations to foster unity in football.
Originally published by BBC News in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.