Watch the embarrassing World Cup moment between Infantino and Macron live on TV

Created: 12/19/2022 8:23 am

By: Stefan Schmid

Gianni Infantino wants to bring Emmanuel Macron to his side on the way to the award ceremony, but he dupes the FIFA President live on TV.

Lusail - The awards ceremony after the 2022 World Cup final was supposed to be all about the teams and especially the victorious Argentines, but FIFA President Gianni Infantino wanted to send another signal to the world.

When he, together with various officials, makes his way towards the stage set up on the field, he wants to get French President Emmanuel Macron to his side.

But in front of the cameras, he refuses and snubs Infantino in front of the world public, as reported by tz.de.

Macron rejects Infantino's outstretched hand

Officials made their way to the on-pitch stage just before the medal ceremony following Argentina's victory over France.

Among them is French President Emmanuel Macron, whose country has close political ties to Qatar.

On the way out of the dressing room, he lined up third behind Gianni Infantino and the Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani.

But Infantino probably wanted to send a signal into the world and bring the French forward next to him, stretched out his hand backwards.

Gianni Infantino wants Emmanuel Macron to step onto the field next to him.

© Screenshot: ARD sports studio

However, the French President was not keen on Infantino's offer and remained in his place behind the Emir.

It is not known whether he consciously wanted to avoid being instrumentalized or whether he was simply disappointed by the defeat of France.

Infantino tries to save the situation

Infantino, who probably did not expect his offer to be rejected, looks briefly surprised and then becomes aware of the cameras trained on what is happening.

With a rather forced gesture that should come across as casual, he wants to dismiss the matter, raises both hands and shrugs his shoulders.

Infantino tries to downplay Macron's rejection.

© Screenshot: ARD sports studio

The scenes during the awarding of the medals speak against the fact that Macron was not aware of the symbolism.

When honoring the defeated French, the president is visibly trying to give the players a warm hug and encourage them.

He wants to send a message home himself: Look, I'm standing by our World Cup heroes, even if they only end up second.

Football fans who long for real emotions, on the other hand, should have had their hearts pounded by the tearful interview with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni.