FIFA President Infantino Defends New Heat Rule, Denies Financial Influence
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recently implemented rule regarding adjustments made during matches due to extreme heat, emphasizing the need for consistent application. He stated that the regulation is intended to establish a “solid and uncompromising system,” and categorically denied any suggestion of a two-faced approach. Infantino explained the rationale behind the rule, stating, “It would be very difficult to accept that a coach might have the opportunity to influence a game with adjustments simply because it is hotter, while the same coach on another game, where temperatures are more bearable and slightly lower, would not have these opportunities.”
Responding to questions about potential motivations, Infantino emphatically denied that money was behind the changes.
“FIFA does not have additional revenue, because all commercial agreements were signed well in advance. So this is not a financial issue for us. For us, it is simply a sports matter,” he asserted, as reported by the German press agency dpa.
The decision has sparked debate within the sports public, with questions raised about its practicality. However, Infantino remains steadfast in his position, asserting that the rule’s implementation is focused solely on ensuring fair play and consistent application, not influenced by external factors. He reiterated that the intention is not to allow coaches to manipulate outcomes, but to address genuinely exceptional circumstances.
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