Infantino’s Controversial Remarks on Qatar’s Human Rights Record Stir Outrage

In a press conference on the eve of the 2022 World Cup, Fifa president Gianni Infantino launched a scathing attack on critics of Qatar’s human rights record, accusing Western nations of hypocrisy and racism.

During an intense 57-minute speech, Infantino argued that Western countries had no moral authority to criticize Qatar, citing their own historical actions. He suggested that Europeans, due to their past behavior over the last 3,000 years, should be apologizing for centuries before offering moral lessons to other nations. His comments, which included an unusual reference to feeling “gay, disabled… like a woman too,” sparked shock and outrage in the international community.

The remarks were seen as a defense of Qatar amidst scrutiny over its treatment of migrant workers and LGBTQ+ rights.