FIFA president calls treatment of Argentina coach “an outrage”
Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why?
FIFA president Gianni Infantino apologized to Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni following protocol mishap during the 2026 World Cup draw where Scaloni was instructed to wear white gloves before carrying the tournament trophy on stage.
Infantino admitted the situation was mishandled and distanced himself from the decision:
“I must apologize to Lionel Scaloni for what happened. I was told he was asked to wear gloves to touch the World Cup. I apologize on behalf of FIFA.. I didn’t know.”
The 55 year old continued:
“Of course, world champions can touch the cup. What outrage! I didn’t know until Ronaldo Nazario told me.”
🏆 Gianni Infantino se disculpó con Scaloni tras la petición de usar guantes para tocar la Copa del Mundo
👉 Durante el evento para determinar el calendario de los partidos, el presidente de la FIFA hizo subir al DT argentino al escenario para que toque el trofeo sin guantes. pic.twitter.com/tWLO6eWGGR
— Filo.news (@filonewsOK) December 7, 2025
Infantino later invited Scaloni back on stage and re presented the trophy this time with bare hands as symbolic correction.
Scaloni accepted and thanked the FIFA president for clarifying the situation.
Lionel Scaloni is the most recent World Cup-winning coach, and asking him to wear gloves was seen as unnecessary & disrespectful especially given his role in football history.
🇦🇷🧤🏆 Gianni Infantino: “I must apologise to Lionel Scaloni for what happened on Friday.
*They told me that they had asked him to put on gloves to touch the World Cup trophy.
I apologise on behalf of FIFA. I didn’t know. Of course the world champions can touch the trophy. I… pic.twitter.com/KzuypHDiuQ
— Football Tweet ⚽ (@Footballtweet) December 7, 2025
