Infantino plays down security fears over U17 World Cup, refuses questions on presidency

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has played down security fears at the U17 World Cup in Qatar a day after the United States squad announced they were withdrawing from the tournament.

In a letter sent to players and provided to Reuters, the US federation said it was cancelling the team’s pre-tournament camp and its participation in the event “in light of current circumstances.”

It cited the US State Department’s Level 3 travel advisory for Qatar and related directives for embassy staff and families.

The State Department updated its advisory for Qatar last month, urging Americans to reconsider travel because of the risk of armed conflict.

The update cited Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, including on civilian airports and critical infrastructure.

Speaking to reporters in Doha on Thursday (November 12), Infantino struck an upbeat tone, insisting he had no concerns over the 48-team tournament.

“Every country, every national team knows best by themselves what they want to do and they decide,” he said. 

“What I can say is that everyone is welcome in Doha. Everyone is safe in Doha. It will be a great tournament. It will be a festival. It will be a joyful event for all these boys that participate in this Under 17 World Cup.”

Meanwhile, Infantino refused to answer questions on the FIFA presidential elections, which will take place in Rabat, Morocco on March 18.

The 56-year-old Swiss is already facing a likely challenge from Japan’s Kozo Tashima, with the deadline for nominations next Wednesday (November 18). 

In addition to Tashima, sources close to the matter have told Reuters there is likely to be a UEFA-backed candidate, although no confirmed challenger has emerged.

“We are here to speak about the U17 World Cup,” Infantino said when asked whether he expected serious opposition at the election, before declining more questions on the topic.