Politics · Singapore Bureau
De Laurentiis blasts FIFA chief Infantino over World Cup expansion
Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis has criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino's handling of World Cup expansion plans, drawing on his cinematic flair to articulate concerns about the future of international football.
LSN Singapore ·
ROME — Napoli President Aurelio De Laurentiis, known for his theatrical approach to football politics, delivered a pointed critique of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's vision for the sport, casting the global football administrator in an unflattering light during remarks in Rome on Friday.
De Laurentiis, whose background as a film producer lends dramatic flourish to his public pronouncements, expressed frustration with Infantino's direction for the World Cup while simultaneously acknowledging the merits of certain aspects of the FIFA chief's agenda. The tension between criticism and grudging approval characterised his assessment of the football chief's stewardship.
The Italian executive's comments reflect broader concerns within European football circles about FIFA's expansion of the World Cup format and its potential impact on domestic league calendars and player welfare. De Laurentiis has previously clashed with football's governing bodies over scheduling and competition structures.
Infantino has championed an expanded World Cup format featuring 48 nations, a proposal that has drawn mixed reactions from clubs and leagues worldwide. The format was approved by FIFA and was first implemented at the 2026 World Cup in North America.