FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Monday dismissed reports that he had instructed female referees not to welcome a Qatari representative at last week’s World Cup medal ceremony and demanded that he remains a strong advocate for women’s rights.
After the game in which Bayern Munich beat the Tigres side 1-0, male officials Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad Al-Thani was seen clapping their fists as they walked up to the podium, but it was he seemed to notice female referees Edina Alves Batista and Neuza Back.
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Reports suggested that Infantino instructed the female officers not to welcome the Sheikh, who is also president of the Qatar Olympic Committee, although Infantino said he had just congratulated them. for work they did well.
However, the organizers of the Qatar tournament said the event was little more than a misunderstanding.
“Given the lies that have been spread online about what I said to the female officials at the Club World Cup finals, I would like to clarify,” said the head of the Scottish football club. globe in a statement.
“I used the opportunity to congratulate them on the hard work they put in through the competition. This was a landmark for FIFA. The first time female officers were recruited and attended at a competition. FIFA at the men’s top.
“As everyone knows, I strongly advocate for women’s rights and equal treatment of all people. Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, religion or physical ability.”
Infantino had said before the game, by appointing female officials, that FIFA wanted to “break down barriers” and “send an important message to the world. “
“Those who have been spreading false rumors about what they have done should be ashamed,” Infantino said.
Benjamin Pavard’s goal in the 59th minute after a VAR examination gave Bayern their sixth award in less than nine months, making them the first team to match Barcelona’s sextuple from 2009.
Information from Reuters was used in this story.