FIFA president Gianni Infantino has baffled fans with a bizarre speech ahead of the Women’s World Cup final.
The 53-year-old, who holds the most powerful position in football, told female players that they have to “pick the right battles” in the fight for equal pay and treatment.
Speaking in Sydney, he said: “I say to all the women, and you know I have four daughters, so I have a few at home, I say to all the women that you have the power to change.
“Pick the right battles. Pick the right fights. You have the power to change.
“You have the power to convince us men what we have to do and what we don’t have to do. You do it. Just do it.
“With men, with Fifa, you will find open doors. Just push the doors. They are open.”
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Infantino’s bizarre speech left many fans gobsmacked, with one person tweeting: “I regret to inform you that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is at it again.”
Another added: “It’s easier to tweet when he’s not at it.”
A third wrote: “As a man myself, people like him making comments like that make me cringe.
“Many of us fellas are better than him, believe me. Women are better than him. Most people are better than him!”
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A fourth person commented: “Decades of keeping women out and now he’s saying just push the doors open. No, you need to invite them in.”
While a fifth simply said: “He really needs to just stop talking.”
Infantino’s comments also drew criticism from Lyon striker and former Ballon d’Or winner Ada Hegerberg.
The Norway international tweeted: “Working on a little presentation to convince men. Who’s in?”
Infantino shocked fans with his unusual speech prior to the Men’s World Cup in November.
He started an hour-long presentation by saying: “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arab. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker.
“Of course I am not Qatari, Arab, gay or disabled.”
England are set to face Spain in the Women’s World Cup final on Sunday.
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The Lionesses are undefeated so far at this Women’s World Cup, having secured wins over Haiti, Denmark, China, Nigeria, Colombia and Australia.
Meanwhile, Spain have won all-but one game on their way to the final.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
