FIFA Reaches a New Low, According to Patrick Omorodion

For most people, FIFA stands for the Federation of International Football Associations. It was founded 122 years ago on 21 May 1904 in Rue Saint‑Honore, Paris, France. The first president was the Frenchman Robert Guérin, who served from 1904 to 1906.

He was succeeded by Daniel Burley Woolfall (England) 1906–1918, Jules Rimet (France) 1921–1954, Rodolphe Seeldrayers (Belgium) 1954–1955, Arthur Drewry (England) 1955–1961, Sir Stanley Rous (England) 1961–1974, João Havelange (Brazil) 1974–1998, and Sepp Blatter (Switzerland) 1998–2015.

Issa Hayatou of Cameroon was the only African president, but he served only in an acting capacity from 2015 to 2016 while Blatter was forced to resign over corruption allegations.

Hayatou stepped down when Gianni Infantino, holding dual Swiss and Italian nationality, was elected president in 2016. Infantino has remained in office since then.

During Blatter’s tenure, Africa received significant recognition. Blatter, who was Secretary‑General of FIFA, was aware that Africa was the largest confederation in FIFA, with 54 member associations. He pushed for projects that increased African representation at the World Cup.

One of Blatter’s most notable actions was ensuring that Africa hosted a World Cup. He argued that without a host in Africa, the tournament would not truly be a global event. South Africa hosted the 2010 World Cup, fulfilling this objective.

FIFA’s former slogan, “For the Game. For the World,” highlighted its commitment to expanding and protecting the sport while focusing on social responsibility. A later slogan, “Football Unites the World,” reflects FIFA’s mission to inspire, unite, and develop people worldwide through the beautiful game.

Football is one of many sports governed by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC Charter requires all member countries to uphold the Charter’s principles, which place sport at the service of harmonious human development and promote a peaceful society. The Charter also mandates political neutrality, ensuring that competitions remain a sacred space for peaceful competition and uphold human rights and non‑discrimination.

Because of this, FIFA requires a government guarantee from any World Cup host country to protect everyone involved in the event’s organization. Past presidents ensured that host nations, including Qatar for the 2022 tournament, signed such guarantees after making necessary legal adjustments to facilitate a successful World Cup.

Recently, Infantino’s comments have drawn criticism. He reportedly downplayed the difficulties faced by Somalian referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States. Infantino said, “It’s unfortunate what happened to Omar. But again, we don’t control everything. We try, we discuss, we see. Maybe it’s good to just chill, relax. We try to solve everything. Sometimes screaming and shouting has the opposite effect. Don’t believe me if you don’t want but we always try to find solutions. We are not the kings of the world.”

Blatter, who has condemned the U.S. authorities’ actions, stated, “No one is more official than the referee, and if a country refuses to allow a referee in, the World Cup should not be held in such a country.” He emphasized that referees are essential to the competition, just as players are.

Nigerian lawyer Kachi Okezie summed up the situation: “A World Cup is supposed to be a neutral, global sanctuary. If geopolitical biases and border‑agent whims dictate who takes the pitch, then it is no longer a World Cup; it is an exclusive invitational filtered through Western political anxieties.”

The World Cup’s appeal has been diminished by restrictions and bans imposed by the U.S., which have limited the presence of traveling fans who traditionally add color to the event.

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