The president of the FIFA, Gianni Infantino, On Monday rejected reports that he had instructed referees to deny a greeting to a Qatari leader during the Club World Cup medal ceremony last week and has insisted he remains a strong advocate for women’s rights.
After the match in which Bayern Munich beat the Mexican team Tigres UANL by 1-0, Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani was seen maintaining physical contact with the male officials as they climbed to the podium, but he seem to ignore referees Edina Alves Batista and Neuza Back.
Reports suggested that Infantino had instructed the whistleblowers not to greet the sheikh, who is also the chairman of Qatar’s Olympic Committee, although Infantino said he simply congratulated them on a job well done.
“Given the lies that have spread online in relation to what I told the female leaders during the medal ceremony of the Club World Cup final, I would like to make a clarification,” said the head of the world football body in a statement.
“I took this opportunity to congratulate them on the great work they did throughout the competition. This was a milestone for FIFA. The first time women were nominated and they officiated in a senior men’s competition of FIFA.
“As everyone knows, I am a strong advocate for women’s rights and equal treatment for all human beings. Regardless of their gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or physical ability.”
Infantino had said before the match that by appointing women as referees, FIFA wanted to “break down barriers” and “send an important message to the world”.
“That they have been spreading false rumors should embarrass their actions,” Infantino added.
Benjamin Pavard’s goal in the 59th minute, after a review by the VAR, gave Bayern their sixth trophy in less than nine months, making them the first team to equal Barcelona’s six-time lead. of 2009.