Twenty-four teams, one tournament, no walkout
The U20 Women’s World Cup started in Poland on Saturday, and everybody showed up.
UEFA and several other federations had spent weeks threatening to pull their teams out. They stood down after FIFA promised it would not resurrect its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
That plan is what set the whole thing alight. Since it surfaced, national bodies across three confederations have called on Gianni Infantino to resign or be voted out.
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Asked twice, answered neither time
The FIFA president turned up at the stadium in Katowice for Poland against Argentina. Sky News found him at the entrance.
“There will be a lot to say, but there will be a good place and a good time to say it. This is not today, this is not here. Here and today, we are enjoying football,” he said.
He went on about FIFA’s work to “give every corner of the world a chance, an opportunity, a dignity”. On his own position, nothing.
The 56-year-old was asked whether he had thought about stepping down. No answer. Asked whether he was still going for a fourth term. Same.
Ten years in, and he wants five more
Infantino has run FIFA since 26 February 2016. His current mandate expires in 2027.
He has confirmed he intends to stand again, which would take him through to 2031. Federations vote next year.
Between now and then, every appearance he makes will be read for signals. This one gave none.
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