FIFA chief Gianni Infantino has been accused of corruption after eye-popping footage emerged of some “shameful” comments he made after one of the World Cup’s round of 32 ties. It has been difficult for football’s top dog to stay out of the spotlight for too long this summer, and his latest action may be his most controversial yet.
Indeed, some of his other actions have caused a storm, including the sycophancy of gifting the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” to US President Donald Trump last December. Meanwhile, he also introduced hydration breaks in stadiums that are air-conditioned or experiencing heavy rain, while his organization also threatened to change the kick-off times for several fixtures, including England’s trip to Mexico, before backing down just two days before the match.
Even with all of the above, it has still been a great spectacle, with Argentina, France and Spain emerging as favorites for glory up to this point. However, it could all be in vain if suggestions on social media that Infantino has already made up his mind about who he wants to win turn out to be true.
Gianni Infantino’s slip of the tongue led to allegations of ‘corruption’
During an interview by an Argentine journalist after Lionel Messi and co. Extra time was required to beat Cape Verde 3-2 on Friday night, but Infantino let loose his secret support for the 2022 winners. He said (See full section below): :
“Tonight, I lost to Argentina… but I’m neutral.”
The 56-year-old realizes that what he has said is probably not going to do any good to his already tarnished reputation, and hence has prompted him to back down from his ‘shameless’ comments, which have caused a huge stir on social media.
Many were already skeptical of the fact that the world champions have been given the easiest route to the final, with one X user writing: “But seriously what can be done to stop this ongoing corruption scandal?” Another added: “Incompetent. It’s a shame the FIFA president is so biased. He needs to resign asap.”
Lionel Messi accused of ‘cheating’ during Argentina’s 3-2 Cape Verde World Cup thriller
Some fans are disappointed with the football legend’s behaviour.
Another continued: “How can you explain to people that this organization is not supporting Messi, when the president has openly declared his support for Argentina?” Meanwhile, a fourth commented: “Imagine the outrage if he said that about Portugal”, while a fifth concluded: “Absolutely shameful, we should protest and boycott until he resigns.”
Argentina look for good value for continued World Cup success
The supercomputer currently predicts that France have the best chance of winning the World Cup, with Argentina right behind them.
Given both countries’ route to the final on July 19 at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, it would be no shock to see a repeat of the 2022 Qatar showdown, which saw Messi reach football immortality via a penalty shootout, while Kylian Mbappe scored a hat-trick in normal time.
When other fans saw the Inter Miami star, considered the greatest footballer of all time, try to cheat with a free-kick in the last-gasp win over Cape Verde, the belief grew that FIFA wanted Argentina to win again. But when you have Messi with you, anything is possible.