FIFA Chief thanks Russia and Putin for ‘best World Cup ever’

Saturday, 14 July 2018 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Reuters: The World Cup in Russia has been the best ever edition of the tournament, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said at an hour-long news conference on Friday (13).

Dressed in a red volunteer’s uniform, Infantino also thanked the Russian government and President Vladimir Putin for their part in hosting the tournament.

However, the tournament has produced some negative stories – most of all a number of accusations of simulation directed at Brazil’s Neymar.

When asked about Neymar’s performance, Infantino was diplomatic in his response.

“He will show us much more of his skills in the future, I’m sure – of his real football skills,” he said.

Infantino said that, despite initial fears, the video assistant referee (VAR) system had worked well after its introduction at the World Cup, suggesting that goals scored from offside positions will become a thing of the past.

“This is progress, this is better than the past,” he said. “VAR is not changing football, it is cleaning football, making it more honest and transparent.”