The BBC and ITV are contractually obligated to show FIFA president Gianni Infantino during World Cup matches due to strict broadcast rules set by Host Broadcast Services (HBS). Under their agreement with FIFA, HBS crews must include specific "dignitary shots" at least once per half from the primary camera feed, leaving British broadcasters no power to override these directives.
Mandatory Dignitary Shots in Global Feed
HBS produces the global broadcast feed that all international networks rely on. The contract mandates that cameras cut to high-ranking officials, including heads of state, soccer federation leaders, and celebrities classified as VVIPs. Infantino, who travels via private transport to attend as many matches as possible, frequently appears in VIP suites, making him the most common subject of these cutaways.
FIFA's Denial of Special Treatment
A FIFA spokesperson denied any special instructions to prioritise Infantino, stating that featuring dignitaries is standard practice. However, during the 2022 Qatar World Cup, production crews operated under specific guidelines: they were encouraged to show Infantino but explicitly prohibited from showing him using his mobile phone. The broadcast strategy aims to portray him as a passionate football fan, capturing reactions to on-pitch action rather than passive moments.
Fan Criticism and Stadium Censorship
Frequent television cuts to Infantino have drawn widespread mockery and criticism from football fans globally. To avoid embarrassing audio on the global feed, stadium directors often refrain from showing Infantino on giant screens, preventing synchronised boos from disrupting the broadcast.
