World soccer’s most powerful figure is handing out red cards to anyone who dares to question FIFA’s decision to choose Qatar as the first Middle Eastern nation to hold the quadrennial World Cup.
Qatar’s suitability as a host has been a rising topic of discussion as the U.S. and 31 other nations begin the monthlong tournament this weekend. In addition to grumbling over whether the country is ready to host the massive event, critics have zeroed in on Qatar’s questionable stands on civil liberties, the treatment of migrant workers and its record on gay rights.
But FIFA President Gianni Infantino was having none of it in an extraordinarily combative press conference Saturday on the eve of the tournament, defending Qatar’s preparations and accusing its critics of rank hypocrisy.