FIFA president criticized for saying that holding the World Cup every two years would prevent African deaths at sea.
"We have to give opportunities and dignity, not charity, so that the rest of the world can participate," said Gianni Infantino.
247 - FIFA President Gianni Infantino sparked controversy on Wednesday (26) by advocating for a World Cup to be held every two years.
During a speech at the European Council, he argued that holding the tournament every two years could help prevent the deaths of migrants at sea, specifically citing Africans who attempt to cross the Mediterranean every day.
“Football is not just a sport. It’s about opportunities, hope, national teams, it’s about the country, the heart, the joy. We can’t say to the rest of the world, ‘Give us your money, the good players, but watch us on television’… We have to improve, to find ways to include everyone. To give hope to Africans so that they don’t have to cross the Mediterranean to find, not a better life, but death at sea. We have to give opportunities and dignity, not charity, so that the rest of the world can participate,” said Infantino.
The FIFA official was criticized on social media after the speech.