Need to knowFIFA president Gianni Infantino has been shown by TV cameras at World Cup matches throughout the tournament in North America this summer11:02, 14 Jul 2026FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been a regular attendee at World Cup matches (Image: Icon Sport via Getty Images)Everything you need to know on why the BBC and ITV are powerless to stop Gianni Infantino being shown at World Cup games...The global broadcast feed that all international TV networks rely on is produced by Host Broadcast Services (HBS). Under their contract with FIFA, production crews are required to deliver specific "dignitary shots" during every single match - something out of the BBC and ITV's control.These visual directives dictate that the primary camera feed must cut to high-ranking officials at least once per half. This structural rule ensures that FIFA's leadership and VIP guests receive guaranteed global screen time.Under FIFA’s official accreditation system, the highest tier of stadium guests is strictly categorised as VVIPs. This elite group includes heads of state, international soccer federation leaders, and high-profile celebrities.Because Infantino travels aggressively via private transport to attend as many matches as possible, he is constantly in these VIP suites. His high attendance rate naturally makes him the most frequent target for these mandatory broadcast cutaways.During previous tournaments like Qatar 2022, television production crews operated under highly specific behavioural guidelines regarding the president. While directors were encouraged to capture his presence, they were explicitly instructed never to show him using his mobile phone.The broadcast strategy aims to curate a specific public image of Infantino as a deeply passionate and engaged football fan. Camera operators look for moments where he is reacting to the action on the pitch rather than sitting passively.When questioned about these rigid broadcasting patterns, a FIFA spokesperson stated that featuring dignitaries is merely standard practice. The governing body denied that any special instructions exist to prioritise Infantino over other notable stadium guests.Despite FIFA's official stance, these frequent television cuts have drawn significant criticism and mockery from football fans worldwide. Home viewers and pub crowds regularly voice their frustration when game action is interrupted to show the executive.To avoid embarrassing audio on the global feed, stadium directors often choose not to show Infantino on the arena's giant screens. This careful internal censorship prevents massive, synchronised stadium boos from disrupting the television broadcast.