Swiss commentator blasts FIFA at trophy handover, citing prices, visas, quart-temps, Trump and Balogun | OneFootball

David Lemos, a commentator for RTS, the tournament’s official broadcaster in Switzerland, used the World Cup trophy presentation to launch a scathing on-air critique of FIFA, listing controversies from prices to politics.

During Sunday’s broadcast of Spain’s celebrations as Rodri lifted the trophy, he moved beyond commentary to catalogue disputes. According to L'Équipe, his monologue was widely applauded on social media for its courage.

He argued this was the most money-driven World Cup to date and among the most politicised, adding it would earn more than ever, a sharp contrast to Gianni Infantino’s grand claims.

Lemos highlighted the cost burden on those without considerable means and cases where nationality blocked entry, affecting fans, journalists and the Somali referee Omar Artan. He also cited what he called the unacceptable treatment of Iran’s team.

Citing Folarin Balogun, he said a president had boasted of phoning FIFA’s chief to overturn a suspension, identifying Donald Trump as a politician intruding into the game. He finished by pointing to quart-temps and a final half-time that lasted close to 30 minutes.

Source: L'Équipe