With Qatar receiving constant criticism for several controversies around the FIFA World Cup 2022, FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the media with a bizarre speech on Saturday.
Just only a day left for the mega event, Infantino rushed to Qatar’s defence but for all the wrong reasons. Speaking in a press conference, he said, “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker.”
“I know what it feels like to be discriminated against. I was bullied because I had red hair,” he further added.
Despite widespread criticism, Infantino has staunchly supported the Arab country for being given the hosting rights. The hosts have also not received much support from the players, with the likes of Bruno Fernandes and Christian Eriksen expressing their disappointment at the country hosting the mega event.
Even many musicians have rejected offers to perform in the opening ceremony. Recently, Dua Lipa refused to perform in the World Cup and clarified her stance on the human rights abuse accusations.
Notably, the host nation has been embroiled in countless controversies, which also include accusations of them bribing to win the World Cup bid. Qatar also received plenty of criticism after banning beer in the stadiums during the tournament.