In a recent interview, FIFA President Gianni Infantino made a statement that sparked controversy and raised questions about his true feelings towards the Arab world. When defending FIFA’s decision to select Qatar as the host nation for the 2022 World Cup, Infantino declared, “Today, I feel Arabic.” While this statement may have been intended to show support for the Arab nation, it also raises the question: does Infantino not also feel Palestinian?

Infantino’s statement came in response to criticism over the selection of Qatar as the host nation for the 2022 World Cup. Many have questioned the country’s ability to host such a large-scale event, citing concerns over human rights violations and the extreme heat during the summer months. However, Infantino’s response seemed to dismiss these concerns and instead focus on his personal feelings towards the Arab world.

But what about the Palestinian people? As the president of an organization that prides itself on promoting unity and inclusivity through the sport of football, one would expect Infantino to also feel a sense of connection and support for the Palestinian people. After all, Palestine is a member of FIFA and has been recognized as a state by the organization since 1998.

The Palestinian people have a long history with football, with the sport being a source of hope and unity for a nation that has faced decades of conflict and oppression. The Palestinian national football team has been a symbol of resilience and determination, despite facing numerous challenges and restrictions imposed by the Israeli occupation.

In fact, the Palestinian Football Association (PFA) has been fighting for the rights of Palestinian footballers for years. In 2015, the PFA filed a complaint with FIFA against the Israeli Football Association for restricting the movement of Palestinian players, preventing them from participating in international matches and tournaments. This complaint was eventually dropped, but it highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinian footballers.

So, when Infantino declared his “Arabic” feelings, it begs the question: does he not also feel a sense of solidarity with the Palestinian people? Is he not aware of the challenges they face in pursuing their passion for football? Or is his focus solely on promoting the interests of the Arab world, at the expense of others?

It is important to note that this is not the first time Infantino has made a statement that has raised eyebrows. In 2018, he was criticized for suggesting that the Palestinian national team should merge with the Israeli team, in order to improve the quality of football in the region. This statement was met with backlash from both Palestinian and Israeli football officials, who saw it as a disregard for the political and cultural complexities of the region.

Infantino’s recent statement only adds to the concerns about his leadership and his ability to truly promote unity and inclusivity within FIFA. As the president of the world’s most popular sport, he has a responsibility to not only defend the interests of the Arab world, but also to show support for all member nations, including Palestine.

In light of this controversy, it is important for Infantino to clarify his statement and address the concerns raised by the Palestinian people. He must also take concrete actions to ensure that the rights of Palestinian footballers are protected and that they are given equal opportunities to participate in international competitions.

Furthermore, FIFA must also take a stronger stance in promoting human rights and addressing issues of discrimination and oppression within the world of football. The organization has the power to use football as a tool for positive change and to promote unity and understanding among nations.

In conclusion, while Infantino’s statement may have been well-intentioned, it has raised important questions about his true feelings towards the Arab world and the Palestinian people. As the leader of FIFA, he must strive to promote inclusivity and unity among all member nations, and not just those that align with his personal feelings. It is time for FIFA to truly live up to its motto of “For the Game, For the World” and show support for all nations, regardless of their political or cultural backgrounds.