FIFA president Gianni Infantino has come under fire in Italy after mocking the Italian national team's absence from the World Cup for the third consecutive year. The backlash began this week and involved the government, the Italian Football Federation, and former players.
The statement was made last Thursday (11), in an interview with CazeTVAsked if he could expand the tournament from 48 to 64 teams, the official, who also has Italian citizenship, used Azzurra as a target for a joke.
"Let's see if Italy qualifies with 64 teams, or maybe I'll have to put 208 to see if they qualify," said Infantino.
The reaction in the country was immediate. The Italian Minister of Sports, Andrea Abodi, stated that he was "perplexed by what I read" and said he wanted to speak directly with the official. "Given the great distance between Italy and Mexico, it's better to talk by phone to understand," he considered. The minister added that he is "interested in knowing exactly what he's thinking."
Sources from the Italian Football Federation (FIGC), which has been without leadership since its elimination by Bosnia and Herzegovina in the European playoffs, described the statement as an "unfortunate declaration that hurt the feelings of the entire sporting community" in the country. Speaking anonymously, a member of the organization stated that "in victory and defeat, football teaches values."
The former player Marco TardelliRonaldo, one of the heroes of the 1982 title, demanded "respect" from the FIFA president. "He cannot allow himself to say such a thing," he stated.
Hours later, Infantino posted a photo on Instagram alongside Gianni Rivera, runner-up with the Azzurri in the 1970 World Cup, in a gesture of support for Italy. However, the official did not apologize.
“The 1970 tournament was extraordinary, as will be this one in 2026, even without Italy, the four-time world champion. But the Azzurri will return soon, and I can't wait to see them again in the centenary qualifiers in 2030,” he wrote.
Source: ANSA.
