When Russia hosted the World Cup in 2018, it had to suspend normal visa rules for the tournament. Foreigners with tickets could enter visa-free, using a scheme called ‘Fan ID.’
Russia also had to do weird stuff to keep FIFA’s sponsors happy. For example, small shops near Fan Zones and stadiums could only sell Budweiser beer on match days.
So yes, FIFA absolutely does dictate conditions to host governments when it suits FIFA. Infantino pretending otherwise is nonsense.
Infantino was asked by a BBC journalist if he's embarrassed by what has come to pass and does he accept he's lost control of his tournament here.
His response: “in 2035, the Women’s World Cup, I think, will be in the UK. Would you find it normal that FIFA will dictate to the British government who to let in the country and who not to let in?”
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