Following widespread criticism that has overshadowed the global masterpiece set to begin in the Middle Eastern nation, Infantino delivered a bizarre speech on Saturday morning.
Qatar has opened its borders to soccer fans and lovers from around the world as 32 nations prepare to battle for glory in the World Cup that begins in less than 24 hours.
But the decision to grant Qatar hosting rights has not gone down well with many, who have criticized FIFA following allegations of human rights violations and deaths of migrant workers.
FIFA boss reacts and criticizes the hypocritical West
In what can be described as an extraordinary speech, infantino stated that he has no reason to defend Qatar.
Addressing the media today, he also criticized the Europeans, who said they have no moral grounds to judge Qatar.
“Today I feel Qatari, I feel Arab, I feel African, I feel gay, I feel disabled, I feel a migrant worker,” Infantino said, according to Sky Sports.
“For what we Europeans have been doing around the world in the last 3,000 years, we should apologize for the next 3,000 years before we start giving moral lessons.”
“Of course, I’m not Qatari, I’m not Arab, I’m not African, I’m not gay, I’m not disabled. But I feel like it because I know what it means to be discriminated against, to be bullied, as a foreigner in a foreign country.”
“When I was a kid, I was bullied, because I had red hair and freckles, plus I was Italian, so go figure. I went into my room and cried.”
Equipment begins to arrive
While there will be continued criticism of Qatar as host of FIFA 2022 World Cupthe nation is ready to welcome the world.
With less than 24 hours to go, the teams are beginning to arrive in Qatar as they look to go head-to-head to determine who becomes the World Champion.
Qatar will take on the South Americans from Ecuador in the opening match of the tournament on Sunday.
