Gianni Infantino has apologized for making fun of English fans’ behavior and called for Russia’s ban on international football matches to be lifted.

in an extensive interview sky newsThe FIFA president also defended his decision to award US President Donald Trump the first-ever FIFA Peace Prize and hit back at suggestions that countries should boycott this summer’s World Cup in protest of Trump’s politics.

Infantino made headlines last month when he noted the good behavior of fans at the World Cup in Qatar, saying: “For the first time in history, no Englishman has been arrested during a World Cup. Imagine that! It’s really, really special.”

No British fans were arrested by police at the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, and the Football Supporters’ Association criticized the FIFA president for his “vulgar jokes”.

sit down with sky newsInfantino said: “I first need to apologize. It was just a lighthearted comment to show that the World Cup in Qatar is actually a celebration, a peaceful event where everyone comes together in a peaceful way.

“So it’s great to have British fans – real fans – coming here in a peaceful way, enjoying their team and cheering for them.”

Large numbers of England fans will be traveling to watch this summer’s World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada. Although Trump has threatened to annex Greenland, he has recently called on European countries to boycott the activity.

Infantino made Trump the first recipient of the newly created FIFA Peace Prize in December, just weeks after Trump missed out on the Nobel Peace Prize.

“If you succeed in saving lives and protecting your people and others around the world, you should be respected,” Infantino told reporters. Sky News. “He was instrumental in resolving conflicts, saving lives and saving thousands of lives.”

When asked about his thoughts on potential backlash over Trump’s actions and words, Infantino questioned why football should be an avenue for protest politics.

“If I remember correctly, Britain’s most important commercial partner is the United States,” he said. “Trade is around £330 billion a year. Is anyone suggesting that the UK should stop doing business with the US? I don’t hear it.

“By the way, the same goes for other countries, Qatar or other countries in the past. I have never heard that one should boycott doing business or boycott political or diplomatic relations. Why football?”

Russia ban ‘just created more hate’

Infantino also said: “I have always opposed the ban.”

Since its invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Russia has been expelled from international competitions by FIFA and UEFA.

The conflict continues but Infantino said Russia should now be allowed to compete again.

Asked whether the ban should be lifted, he said: “We have to do it. Of course. Because this ban achieves nothing, it just creates more frustration and hatred.”

Infantino went on to say that FIFA should consider changing its rules so that no country is banned from the competition.

“We should not actually ban any country from playing football because of the behavior of any country’s political leaders,” he said. “Someone needs to keep the lines open.”