FIFA President Gianni Infantino Defends Decision to Host World Cup in Saudi Arabia, Discusses Relationship with Donald Trump

During a speech in Belfast, FIFA President Gianni Infantino reaffirmed his organization's choice to grant Saudi Arabia the opportunity to host the 2034 World Cup. Despite facing backlash for the decision, particularly regarding human rights issues and treatment of migrant laborers, Infantino defended the selection process and emphasized the unity achieved through the Congress decision. Additionally, he addressed criticisms regarding his relationship with Donald Trump, stressing the importance of maintaining strong connections with world leaders. Infantino's remarks come amidst ongoing debate surrounding FIFA's selection process and the ethical considerations involved in awarding hosting rights for international sporting events.

"I think it was a very positive step for football, bringing, in eight years, football from all over the world, hosting everyone.

"We have to be bringing everyone to the table. We will go to North America in 2026, now we go to South America, go to Africa, we'll go to Europe in 2030. We'll go back to Asia for 2034.

"The FIFA Congress approved that, it was done after an in-depth report on all this."

Infantino also faced questions on Friday about his relationship with United States President Trump and his family.

Trump's daughter Ivanka was involved in the FIFA Club World Cup draw in December, with Infantino attending Trump's inauguration in January.

When asked why he was so close to the polarising President, Infantino said: "I think it is absolutely crucial for the success of a World Cup to have a close relationship with the president.

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"We are organising a Club World Cup this year, the first ever FIFA Club World Cup, 32 teams, in the United States of America.

"We're organising a World Cup next year in the United States, Mexico and Canada. And let's not forget that when the bidding happened for that World Cup, President Trump was already president of the United States."

Infantino was also quizzed on the prospect of Russia returning to the world football scene if a peace deal can be agreed following its invasion of Ukraine.

"We look forward that all countries in the world can play football," Infantino said as he arrived for the annual general meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB), which sets the laws of the sport.

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"We all hope that peace talks will be successful, because I think it is important that we support it for the world, much more than for football, that we have peace.

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"If there is a little role that football can play, once peace is there, then of course, we'll play our role."

(This story has not been edited by staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)