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Gianni Infantino's 'obvious limitations' exposed as FIFA chief is 'ignorant' towards US

Eradicating racism from football isn't FIFA's priority right now - and even when addressing how to stamp it out FIFA and Gianni Infantino cannot get it right

[Gianni Infantino]

Gianni Infantino continues to ignore the elephant in the room when it comes to the upcoming World Cup (Image: Getty Images)

If nothing else, you've got to admire the guts of Gianni Infantino. Because the FIFA president appears to have taken on the biggest challenge a human being ever can.

Which is to prove US president Donald Trump shouldn't monopolise the title of 'most unfit person in office' on the planet. Infantino won't succeed, of course. Because Trump, if you'll pardon the footballing pun, remains in a league of his own.

The weekend's events have proved this, but we'll come to that later. In the meantime, Infantino attempts to cling to his coat-tails with the sort of nonsensical and shameless behaviour which suggests, if he doesn't pull his head out of Trump's backside soon, he might never see daylight again.

[WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 05: FIFA President Gianni Infantino and U.S. President Donald Trump on the red carpet prior the FIFA World Cup 2026 Official Draw at John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts on December 05, 2025 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)]

President Donald Trump bombed Iran over the weekend(Image: Tasos Katopodis - FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images)

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In a few months time the World Cup will kick off in a nation ruled by a bloke who has just started a war in the Middle East. Yet Infantino seems so unconcerned, he rocks up to the latest meeting of football's rule makers and shows astonishing ignorance towards the implications of America's decision to begin death and destruction in Iran.

Instead, Infantino decides to use the 140th meeting of the International Football Association Board (IFAB) to tackle racism in the game. In a rare break with tradition, Infantino has shown good intentions. Because it remains a cancer in the sport which cannot be cured.

But in a swift return to the status quo which continues to expose Infantino's obvious limitations as the most powerful man in football, the best idea he can come up with is to back plans to introduce measures which are nothing short of laughable.

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Responding to the racism row involving Vinicius Junior and Gianluca Prestianni in a recent Champions League game, Infantino wants to push through rules that will see footballers who cover their mouths when confronting opponents during games at the World Cup, sent off.

That's what Prestianni did when hurling alleged racist insults towards Vinicius Jr. It's also what most footballers - and even managers and coaches - do these days. It's just part of the game.

And a lot of the time, however childish and embarrassing the look might be, it will be an innocent conversation between two players on the pitch during a break in play.

[Gianluca Prestianni ]

Gianluca Prestianni has been accused of saying a racist comment to Vinicius Jr(Image: Getty Images)

The chat could be high-powered stuff, too, like whose private jet they are going to use to fly to Dubai (or maybe not, given what's happened), to go for a gold steak at Salt Bae's restaurant.

Or which 2m Bugatti they have ordered. Hang on lads. You can't do that. Sorry, that's a straight red. Tournament over. We all know why players like Prestianni cover their mouths.

But let's not kid ourselves that all footballers who attempt to hide what they say are racists. Infantino's desperation to label conversations, however intense or competitive, as being racist without conclusive evidence, is sheer madness.

It's so laughable, in fact, that normal thinking people are probably covering their mouths right now, in fits of giggles at the preposterousness of it.

Gianni mate, if you want the truth, mic up every player at the tournament. Or return to the real world and address the more pressing problem.

Which is, how on earth can a World Cup can still go ahead in a land which has just catapulted the planet into a place of unfathomable paralysis and fear?

[Willie Peters ]

Willie Peters's Hull KR side are showing how emotional sport can be (Image: PA)

Nothing sends fans on a rollercoaster of emotions like sport does - just ask Hull KR supporters. Spare a thought for supporters of Super League champions Hull KR.

Last week their side beat the best team in Australia, in the shape of the Brisbane Broncos, to win the World Club Challenge and become the best on the planet.

Fast forward to this week and those same fans spent thousands travelling to Las Vegas - to see that same team get completely trampled by the Leeds Rhinos.

Prior to this, Hull KR scored more than 100 points to beat amateurs Lock Lane in the Challenge Cup, then lost their opening league game to newcomers York Knights.

And those who wanted to drown their sorrows in the Nevada desert had to shell out $18.40 for a beer inside Allegiant Stadium (and that's before the standard tip which is expected from punters in the United States).

On a more positive note, the occasion was a wonderful showcase for Super League - even if it took place more than 5,000 miles away.

But it's doubtful those supporters heading back home to Humberside will think so. Living proof that nothing compares to sport when it comes to going on a rollercoaster ride of emotions.

[Jeremy Cross]

Jeremy Cross

Jeremy joined the Daily Star in 2010 as Manchester football correspondent and for more than a decade has served as our Chief Sports Writer. He provides expert coverage on Manchester United and Manchester City, the Premier League as a whole, and the England football team. Jeremy has covered football, rugby and cricket World Cups, as well as Wimbledon, the golf majors and the Olympics.

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