War in Ukraine: FIFA President Infantino proposes ceasefire during World Cup

Created: 11/16/2022 5:33 am

By: Corbinian Kothny

Gianni Infantino calls for a ceasefire in Ukraine during the World Cup.

The FIFA boss is aiming for re-election in 2023.

Munich

– The World Cup in Qatar is just around the corner.

On Sunday, the hosts play their opening game against Ecuador at al-Bayt Stadium in al-Khour.

A good month later, on December 18th, the final will take place.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has now proposed a month-long ceasefire in the war between Russia and Ukraine during the finals.

Gianni Infantino: WM can be "an occasion for a positive gesture or sign".

At an appearance at the G20 summit of the most important industrialized and emerging countries in Bali on Tuesday, Infantino (52) suggested that from the start of the World Cup on Sunday until the final on December 18th the guns would be silent. 

"We are not naive and think that football can solve the world's problems," said the head of the world football association.

However, the World Cup could be "an occasion for a positive gesture or a sign".

Gianni Infantino proposes a ceasefire during the World Cup in Qatar.

© IMAGO/Zulkarnain

Gianni Infantino speaks to Prime Ministers Biden, Scholz and Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov

He appealed to the participants of the summit – in addition to numerous heads of state and government such as US President Joe Biden and Federal Chancellor Olaf Scholz, as well as the Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov –: “You are the leaders of the world.

You have the opportunity to influence the course of history.” 

Infantino added: “My request to all of you is to consider a temporary one-month ceasefire for the duration of the World Cup.

Or at least the introduction of humanitarian corridors or anything else that will lead to a resumption of dialogue.”

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FIFA: Gianni Infantino repeatedly criticized

Whether Infantino's statements actually contribute to a ceasefire is extremely unlikely.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov left the G20 summit before the end of the meeting and the official adoption of the final declaration.

In the past, Infantino had been repeatedly criticized for several scandals.

Amnesty International recently accused the FIFA President of being "conspicuously silent" on calls for a compensation fund for migrant workers in Qatar.

Gianni Infantino: re-election as FIFA President in 2023 almost certain

Even if Infantino's appearance in Bali was quite confident in contrast to the past, it should not have happened without ulterior motives.

Not only does the most controversial World Cup of all time begin on Sunday, the performance shouldn't have harmed his personal plans either.

Finally, on Wednesday, the period within which candidates for the top post at the world association can be approved ends.

So far, however, there are no opposing candidates.

Therefore, Infantino's re-election at the 73rd FIFA Congress in Kigali, Rwanda in March is almost certain.

(kk)