It was a busy day in Florence for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who ruled out that Italy will be recalled for the 2022 World Cup: ‘Be serious, please…’
There were reports that the Azzurri could be recalled at Qatar 2022 in November as FIFA could have sanctioned Iran who had locked 2,000 women out of the stadium for their World Cup qualifier against Lebanon.
However, the hopes of Italy fans didn’t last long as FIFA executive member Evelina Christillin has denied that the Azzurri could have been admitted to the tournament at the end of the year.
Infantino shared the same view and ruled out a possible recall for Roberto Mancini’s men. When asked whether the Azzurri have a chance to make it to Qatar 2022 to replace Iran, he replied: “Let’s be serious, please…”
Infantino insisted that he ‘feels like crying’ knowing that the Azzurri will not be in Qatar, having missed out on a second successive World Cup for the first time in history. He also insisted that holding a World Cup every two years it’s a possibility.
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“When we discuss a World Cup held every two years, it’s because the emotion given by this competition is incredible,” he said.
“Italy have been involved almost all times, other countries want to be involved more frequently and giving more hope to other countries is crucial.
“I think about what I experienced as a kid and it’s a shame that other children can’t do it today. In this divided world, it’s important to have more chances to be united and do sport together. Right now, the best players play in the best leagues, and all the other are excluded.”
Infantino also urged Italian authorities to name the Stadio Olimpico after Paolo Rossi and made Juventus fans unhappy with a claim over the Bianconeri, Inter and Fiorentina.