FIFA president Gianni Infantino has apologised after facing criticism for remarks he made about British football supporters, which drew strong reactions from fan groups.
According to BBC, during the the World Economic Forum in Switzerland last month, Infantino said it was “really special” that no British fans were arrested during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a comment that sparked anger as supporters voiced concerns over rising ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup, with the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) responding that he should focus on “making tickets affordable” rather than “making cheap jokes about our fans.”
In an interview with Sky News, Infantino said the remarks were intended as a joke and were meant to underline that the Qatar tournament had been “a celebration” and “a peaceful event”. He apologised to supporters from Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, insisting it was never his intention to cause offence.
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The FIFA president admitted he had been wrong to suggest that English fans regularly cause trouble abroad, saying it was unfair to label them as criminals. He added that he remains a “huge fan of English football”.
Infantino also defended his decision to present US President Donald Trump with the first-ever Fifa Peace Prize ahead of the 2026 World Cup draw last December. The award recognises individuals who have taken “exceptional and extraordinary actions for peace”.
While acknowledging the strong backlash to the decision, Infantino said Trump “objectively deserves” the award, claiming he played a key role in resolving conflicts and saving lives.
