the president FIFA, Gianni Infantino, on Monday rejected reports that he had instructed referees to refuse a salute to a Qatari leader during last week’s Club World Cup medal ceremony and insisted he remained a strong supporter of women’s rights.
After the match in which Bayern Munich defeated the Mexican team Tigres UANL 1-0, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani was seen maintaining physical contact with male officials as they stepped on the podium, but seemed to ignore referees Edina Alves Batista and Neuza Back.
Reports suggest that Infantino instructed the whistleblower not to greet the sheikh, who is also the chairman of the Qatar Olympic Committee, although Infantino said he simply congratulated them on a job well done.
“Given the lies that have been spread online about what I told the leaders during the medal ceremony of the Club World Cup final, I would like to make a point,” said the head of the World Cup. statement.
“I took this opportunity to congratulate them on the great work they have done throughout the competition. This was a milestone for FIFA. For the first time, women were nominated and officiated in a men’s FIFA senior competition.
“As everyone knows, I am a strong advocate for women’s rights and equal treatment for all human beings. Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or physical ability.”
Infantino had said before the match 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 goal in the 59th minute, following a VAR review, gave Bayern their sixth trophy in less than nine months, making them the first team to equalize six times in Barcelona in 2009.