FIFA President Gianni Infantino has warned the clubs that want to form the Super League that they must live with the consequences of their decision, no matter what they become.
While UEFA has threatened to fire the 12 teams involved from the Champions League, Europa League and their domestic leagues, FIFA has taken a calmer approach to things and recently called for “constructive talks” to find a solution that pleases everyone.
Infantino wants peace in the midst of all the chaos | Simon Holmes / Getty Images
Infantino took the stage at UEFA’s 45th Congress in Montreux to discuss it further. He recalled the magic of smaller teams dreaming of challenging the big boys and urged the 12 rebels to go back on their decision before killing football as we know it.
“Let me be very clear from the beginning, FIFA is an organization based on the true values of sport,” he began. “At FIFA we can only strongly disapprove of the creation of a Super League which is a closed shop, which is a break from the current institutions, from the leagues, from the associations, from UEFA and from FIFA. There is no doubt at all about FIFA’s disapproval .
“I am here to give full support to European football, to UEFA and its 55 affiliates, to leagues, clubs, players and fans – to all fans across Europe and the world as well.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino: “At FIFA, we can only and strongly disapprove of the creation of the Super League, a Super League that is a closed shop, which is a break from the current institutions.”
He says nothing about SL club players banned from WC pic.twitter.com/Xx8cfVhak2
– Rob Harris (@RobHarris) April 20, 2021
“The magic of football is the band from the bottom to the top. There is a lot to throw for maybe a short-term financial gain. People have to think very carefully and take responsibility. Think not only of their shareholders, but all the people, the fans, all those who have contributed to create what European football is today.
“It goes back more than 100 years. People with love, passion and commitment have created this, and we must protect this. It is our job to protect the European sports model, club competitions and national teams.”
While Infantino did not mention anything about penalties – the idea of banning players from the World Cup was not even discussed – he warned that it would have consequences for all sides that tried to disrupt the current system.
“If some choose to go their own way, they will have to live with the consequences of their choice,” he said. “They are responsible for their choice. That means you are either in or out. You can not be half in, half out.
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin spoke out strongly against the notion of a European Super League on Monday.
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– UEFA (@UEFA) April 20, 2021
“Like UEFA, FIFA is a democratic organization that is open to all to speak with respect for the institutions, leagues, associations. With respect for the history and passion of so many people around the world.
“During these special days, the emotions are very high. The pandemic exacerbates this, of course, but we must stay the line. Football is hope, and it is our responsibility to make hope a reality. organized, but always with respect. Always act responsibly and always with solidarity and in the interests of national, European and global football. “
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