Zohran Mamdani Is Right to Call Out FIFA. But He Doesn't Go Far Enough.

"Then there is FIFA chief Gianni "Johnny Boy" Infantino playing the supplicant, flattering his new fave authoritarian-which has been humiliating to watch, in advance of the 2026 World Cup being hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Every time Johnny Boy fails to say a word about the compromised safety of international travelers or even players-including after the ICE gestapo shot a protesting pastor in the head with a potent "less lethal" weapon."

"To see a country that has been committing a genocide-that would be Israel- welcomed into his tournament is to see just another example of Johnny Boy clapping his hands and doing a dance to an autocrat's tune."

""I have heard from so many already who are terrified of the prospect of being in public life during the World Cup," he said. "I have long been quite troubled by how the supposed stewards of the game have opted for profit time and time again at the expense of the people that love this game.""

A mixed martial arts show is scheduled on the White House lawn to commemorate the Declaration of Independence and an autocratic leader's birthday. FIFA chief Gianni "Johnny Boy" Infantino publicly flattered an authoritarian ahead of the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino said nothing about compromised safety for international travelers or players, even after ICE shot a protesting pastor with a "less lethal" weapon. A country identified as committing genocide, Israel, was welcomed into the tournament. NYC mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani expressed concern that ICE actions will threaten people attending the World Cup and called out stewards prioritizing profit over fans.

Read at The Nation