Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'

Infantino could have stood up for the World Cup - but he said 'chill, relax'To play this video you need to enable JavaScript in your browser.This video can not be playedFigure caption, 'Have you lost control?' - BBC sports editor asks Gianni InfantinoByDale JohnsonFootball issues correspondentPublished1 minute agoCommentsListening to Fifa president Gianni Infantino and you would think the controversy surrounding the 2026 World Cup in recent days has been insignificant."Just, you know, chill, relax," Infantino told a news conference at the Azteca Stadium on the eve of Thursday's opening match between Mexico and South Africa.After all, it is not as though one of his referees was refused entry to the United States. Or Iraq striker Aymen Hussein was questioned for several hours at a Chicago airport before being allowed into the country.Nor that Iran have been forced to switch their base to Mexico, their fans have had all their tickets cancelled by US authorities, and members of the delegation refused visas.Of course, those incidents did all occur, and this was Infantino's chance to stand up for Fifa, to back Somali referee Omar Artan who had seen the pinnacle moment of his career ripped away from him.To criticise or question, if not condemn, the US government for the way the tournament has been handled.It did not happen.Africa's number one referee being turned away by immigration was just "unfortunate".And there was a robust defence of US President Donald Trump, with Infantino claiming a World Cup in the US would be "impossible" without the 79-year-old.Nothing to see here.US official claims banned referee had links with 'terror organisations'Published8 hours ago'We are not the kings of the world'Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Gianni Infantino was first elected as Fifa president in 2016When Infantino sat down at the Azteca he knew exactly which questions would be coming his way...