FIFA president Gianni Infantino has become the focus of a tongue-in-cheek 'conspiracy theory' after Joe Cole and Gary Lineker suggested the FIFA president seems to appear on screen during every World Cup fixture. The Swiss-born official has been spotted at countless matches throughout the tournament, which is taking place across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Infantino's Extensive Travel Schedule
Infantino is understood to have taken more than 27 flights during the competition, frequently travelling between host cities. According to the BBC, he attended two matches daily during the group stage - often hundreds of miles apart, and on certain occasions, he has needed to take three separate flights.
His regular on-screen appearances prompted discussion between Cole and Lineker. "FIFA in general [I've been disappointed with], but what you told me about [Gianni] Infantino, I've noticed it - I can't unnotice it," Cole said on The Rest is Football.
Cole's Irritation and Anecdote
"Every game, in the first half and the second half, they have to show Infantino's head on the telly. Just like, you're the head of the federation, just a megalomania about him: he needs to be front and centre," Cole added. Lineker responded, saying: "You'll watch the coverage. In the first 10 minutes of the first half, the first 10 minutes of the second half, you will see a shot of Gianni Infantino."
Cole expressed his irritation, stating: "You said that to me and now it's annoyed me so much, because why would you do that? You know, just go and do what you do and then get off." He recalled a friendly match in Dubai about five years ago where Infantino played. "You're looking at him, he's strolling around the pitch, nobody is touching him - everyone's all like 'oh Mister...' The ball dropped in midfield and I thought 'I could do him here...'. I pulled out. The gentleman in me pulled out, but I regretted it because I could have really cleaned him out. Infantino's annoyed me."
FIFA's Response and Controversy
Given the number of fixtures he has attended, a FIFA representative clarified: "The Fifa president routinely travels, together with relevant officials, on business and tournament-related matters and strives to visit member associations of Fifa whenever he can. Sometimes travel is organised on commercial [including low-cost] airlines and sometimes it is on private charter, depending on which is more efficient and cost-effective under the circumstances."
Last week, Infantino faced criticism and demands for his resignation after permitting Donald Trump to interfere in a World Cup disciplinary case. USA striker Folarin Balogun had his one-match suspension overturned following his dismissal in the 2-0 victory over Bosnia in the round of 32. President Trump subsequently disclosed he had requested Infantino to examine the incident. Belgium's challenge against the ruling was later rejected - although they proceeded to defeat the co-hosts 4-1 and advance to the quarter-finals anyway.
The controversy surrounding Trump's involvement is anticipated to continue, with mounting pressure for Infantino to resign from the position he has occupied for a decade. Infantino has been at the helm since 2016 and secured re-election in 2019 and 2023. Now a decade into his tenure, he is set to stand for re-election next year.
