Gianni Infantino in 2017, talking about the bidding process for 2026 with particular reference to the travel bans the US had in place then:
“Teams who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup. That is obvious.
“We are now in the process of defining the bid requirements. In the world there are many countries who have bans, travel bans, visa requirements and so on and so forth. It’s obvious when it comes to FIFA competitions, any team, including the supporters and officials of that team, who qualify for a World Cup need to have access to the country, otherwise there is no World Cup.
“The requirements will be clear. And then each country can make up their decision, whether they want to bid or not based on the requirements.”
Dude blocked me for campaigning here that he should face justice. I am glad Acting PG Mr Kumbirai Hodzi has directed the police to immediately take him(Chivayo) to court on allegations of defrauding Zimbabwe Power Company of $5,6 million.
#EDPFEE
https://t.co/tzipm2OUlr
When the U.K. Foreign Office considered denying North Koreans visas to play at the 1966 World Cup, FIFA told the FA that they would immediately relocate the tournament.
That was when FIFA still had something remotely resembling a spine.
@kapilansh_twt Nobody. Computers can never think. Right now AI can seem as smart as Isaac Newton one moment, then less intelligent than a 5-year old the next. It's not thinking; it's computing #BigDifference
''Wicknell Chivayo is facing a charge of bribery after his company, Intratrek, transferred $10 000 to former Zimbabwe Power Company board chairperson Stanley Kazhanje’s personal bank account to try to allegedly influence the outcome of a tender..''
https://t.co/w2aMhh8lXc
This should be the last time that America ever hosts a major international tournament - in any sport. The International Olympic committee should be watching very carefully for LA 2028