Newly-minted FIFA president Gianni Infantino addressed the media – and the world – for his first official press conference as the leader of football’s governing body on Friday, giving a brief statement and answering a handful of questions about various topics that will consume his day-to-day life for the next three years.
Related – Gianni Infantino elected as FIFA president
Here are the highlights of the Swiss-Italian’s comments:
On the FIFA staff
“I count on them. I believe in them. We will do great things together.”
Gianni Infantino, new FIFA president, opens by addressing FIFA staff, who have been through a difficult time w/o a leader. Nice gesture.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) February 26, 2016
On the work he will usher in at FIFA
“I want to bring FIFA back to football and football back to FIFA.”
New FIFA President @Gianni_2016 tells the world: “You will be proud of FIFA, you will be proud off what FIFA does for football”
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) February 26, 2016
On the notion that only Europe will benefit from his election
“I want to see a big development of football all over the world, in all countries, and I want to see some concrete actions by FIFA and each and every association when it comes to football development …
“I want people looking at FIFA as the organization that helps to develop each country in the world when it comes to football.”
“I will show to the whole world I am not a candidate of Europe, I am the candidate of football & football is universal” – Gianni Infantino
— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) February 26, 2016
On Michel Platini
Infantino asked why he didn’t mention Platini in speech today: “I thank Michel Platini for everything he has given me & taught me”
— Rob Harris (@RobHarris) February 26, 2016
On appointing a new general secretary
“I have a couple of ideas on the position of general secretary … it is a decision of the FIFA council at the end of the day.”
Infantino: “today not the moment” to speak about who will be new Fifa Secretary General.
— Richard Conway (@richard_conway) February 26, 2016
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