The president of FIFA (International Football Federation), Gianni Infantino, considers that a boycott of World Cup matches in the United States, supported by European governments to denounce Donald Trump’s threats, will only bring “more hatred” and declared himself in favor of the return of Russia and its clubs to competitions.
“I’m against bans and boycotts. I don’t think they add anything (…) they simply contribute to more hate,” said Infantino in an interview with the British channel Sky News.
The president of the entity that governs world football drew a parallel with the important trade relations between the United Kingdom and the United States: “Does anyone ask the United Kingdom to stop trading with the United States? I haven’t heard anything like that. So, why football?”, asked Infantino.
“In our divided and aggressive world, occasions are needed for people to come out and come together around their passion for football,” added the 55-year-old.
In January, Germany was the scene of calls for a boycott of the 2026 World Cup, which will take place in Canada, the United States and Mexico (from June 11 to July 19), as a response to tensions caused by the American president’s desire to take control of Greenland and threats of increased tariffs against European countries opposed to the initiative.
Defense of FIFA peace prize to Trump
The anti-immigration policy of the American government and the methods of the immigration police in Minneapolis, which provoked a wave of indignation in the United States and the world, also generated great concern about the safety conditions of the thousands of fans expected in the country during the World Cup months.
Infantino took advantage of the interview to defend his criticized decision to award, in December, the first “FIFA Peace Prize” to Trump, who claims to have ended several conflicts around the planet since his return to power in January 2025.
“Objectively, he deserves it,” said the Swiss leader, who has demonstrated his agreement with the President of the United States on several occasions.
In favor of Russia’s reintegration
Infantino was also in favor of Russia and its clubs returning to international competitions, from which they were excluded after the start of the Russian Army’s offensive in Ukraine in February 2022.
Although the conflict is still ongoing, the IOC (International Olympic Committee) recently recommended that sports confederations authorize Russian teams to participate in non-professional youth competitions.
“This exclusion has brought nothing, it has only generated more frustration and hatred. The fact that Russian girls and boys can play football in other regions of Europe would be something positive,” he argued.
Infantino added that FIFA should consider modifying its rules so that no country can be excluded from competitions. “In fact, we should never ban a country from playing football because of the actions of its political leaders.”
Kremlin spokesman Dmitri Peskov celebrated Infantino’s words in an interview.
“Irresponsible” statements
“We should have considered it a long time ago” (Russia’s reintegration), declared the FIFA president.
The Russian Football Federation said it “fully supports” Infantino’s position.
Ukrainian Sports Minister Matvii Bydnyi called Infantino’s statements “irresponsible, even childish.”
“As long as the Russians continue killing Ukrainians and politicizing sport, their national flag and symbols have no place among those who respect values such as justice, honesty and fair play,” he said.
The head of Ukrainian diplomacy, Andriy Sybiga, recalled in X that “679 Ukrainian girls and boys will never be able to play football: Russia killed them.”
