FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called for calm ahead of Israel’s World Cup qualifying matches against Norway and Italy. This appeal follows a recent agreement between Israel and Hamas aimed at pausing their ongoing conflict.
Infantino’s Message Amid Protests
During a press event in Rome, Infantino urged supporters to embrace peace. His comments came just as pro-Palestinian demonstrations intensified ahead of the upcoming matches. Activists gathered at the Italian squad’s training center in Florence last week to express their opposition to the Italy-Israel game scheduled to take place in Udine.
Infantino remarked, “Now everyone should be happy about the peace plan and support the process.” He acknowledged that the situation transcends football yet remains closely linked to it.
Upcoming Matches and Planned Protests
- Israel plays Norway on Saturday.
- The match against Italy is set for Tuesday in Udine.
- An estimated 10,000 protesters are expected to attend the Italy match.
The protests are part of a larger national strike response, as many activists are mobilizing against the match in light of the fragile peace talks. Infantino’s comments reflect a desire to prioritize stability during this tumultuous period.
Visa Considerations for the World Cup
In a development related to the World Cup, the U.S. State Department announced plans to increase personnel at certain embassies. This initiative aims to manage the expected surge in visa applications from fans wishing to attend the tournament next year in the United States.
Many teams, including Egypt, Iran, and Morocco, have already qualified, with Saudi Arabia close to securing a spot. The viability of obtaining visas could become increasingly critical as the World Cup draw approaches on December 5 in Washington, D.C.
The Importance of Visa Approval
- Enhanced staffing at embassies to facilitate visa applications.
- Close collaboration between FIFA and the U.S. administration to ensure smooth processing.
Future Considerations in Football
Infantino also discussed the potential need for adjustments to the soccer calendar. With extreme weather conditions affecting matches, FIFA is considering revising the scheduling of major events like the World Cup and European Championship.
The 2030 World Cup, set to take place in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, may face challenges if retained in the traditional June-July timeframe. Infantino emphasized the necessity to evaluate and improve the sport’s structure to accommodate changing climate conditions.
- Discussed moving major tournaments out of the summer months.
- Possible impact on domestic leagues and continental competitions.
This call for strategic planning demonstrates FIFA’s commitment to evolving the sport while addressing contemporary issues.
