The president of the FIFA Gianni Infantino, on Monday rejected reports that he had instructed referees to refuse a salute to a Qatari leader at the Club World Cup medal ceremony last week and insisted that he remains a staunch supporter of women’s rights.
After the match in which Bayern Munich beat Mexican team Tigres UANL 1-0, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani saw physical contact with the male officials as they stepped onto the podium, but seemed to ignore referees Edina Alves Batista and Neuza. Back.
Reports suggested that Infantino had instructed the whistlers not to greet the sheik, who is also the chairman of Qatar’s Olympic Committee, although Infantino said he simply congratulated them on a job well done.
“Given the lies that have been spread online regarding what I told the women leaders during the Club World Cup final medal ceremony, I would like to clarify,” the head of the world football organization said it is a statement.
“I took the opportunity to congratulate them on the great work they have done in the competition. This was a milestone for FIFA. The first time women were appointed and entered a FIFA men’s senior competition.
“As everyone knows, I am a strong supporter of women’s rights and equal treatment for all people. Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or physical ability.”
Infantino had said before the game that by appointing women as referees, FIFA wanted to “break down barriers” and “send an important message to the world”.
“Those who have spread false rumors should be ashamed of their actions,” Infantino added.
Benjamin Pavard’s 59th-minute goal, following a VAR assessment, earned Bayern their sixth trophy in less than nine months, making them the first team to equal Barcelona’s six-fold in 2009.