Jeez, what is wrong with us that we would react with such suspicion to the perfectly innocent idea from that paragon of integrity and virtue, Gianni Infantino, that a chunk of Fifa be spun off to a bunch of profit-orientated investors, led by the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law?
I mean, how could we possibly be a little sceptical about the relationship between them when Gianni gave Donald the inaugural peace prize, and Gianni waived the red card that had been waved at the US striker, Folarin Balogun, after Donald intervened? Surely that is the mark of a true rules-based body – doing favours for buddies. You scratch my back, I’ll scratch yours.
We must all be haters. And why do I say that? Because just a few days ago the Fifa president rounded on anyone who was critical of some aspects of this World Cup.
“To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours,” he said, “I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at Fifa are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
As I sit behind my screen, let me throw up my hand and say if legitimate criticism in Gianni’s mind is the same as spreading hate, then I am guilty as charged. And to compound my crime, I am going to be critical AGAIN of this madcap scheme to sell off a chunk of Fifa to a group of moneymen who can only see dollar signs.
