‘Let football take the stage’: Infantino tells nations to put Qatar concerns aside

Fifa president writes letter to 32 World Cup competitors.

POLITICAL FOOTBALL: FIFA President Giovanni Infantino gestures as he speaks during the FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 draw in Auckland. Picture: Alan Lee/Photosport via AP

The president of Fifa, Gianni Infantino, has written to all 32 competing nations at this month’s World Cup, urging them to “let football take the stage” in Qatar.

An unusual plea to both football associations and players to put political and human rights concerns to one side for the duration of the tournament, Infantino’s communication comes just two weeks before the start of competition and with a number of concerns on the part of both FAs and non-governmental organisations yet to be resolved.