Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why? | OneFootball

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Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why? | OneFootball

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·7 December 2025

Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why?

Article image:Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why?

FIFA president calls treatment of Argentina coach “an outrage”

Article image:Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why?

Gianni Infantino apologizes to Lionel Scaloni… but why?

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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.”

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.

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