FIFA president Gianni Infantino sparked reactions on Thursday during his address at the World Economic Forum by making a tongue-in-cheek reference to British football fans’ behaviour at the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

According to Sky Sports News on Friday, speaking to an audience of world leaders and business figures, Infantino looked back at the Qatar tournament, saying there were “virtually no incidents” once the competition got underway.

He highlighted what he described as a unique outcome from the event, saying: “For the first time in history, no Brit was arrested during a World Cup. Imagine! This is something really, really special.”

The comment, intended as a light-hearted joke about the reputation of English supporters at major tournaments, drew attention from fans and media alike and was widely shared.

Infantino used the speech to describe the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, as a “celebration” and a “party,” stating that the global event would bring people together for joy and communal spirit both on and off the pitch.

Infantino acknowledged that ticket prices for the 2026 finals have drawn widespread criticism from supporters’ groups, media, and fan communities.

He admitted bluntly that “the tickets are not cheap” and said he had been “hammered” over the issue during his speech to global leaders and business figures.

According to FIFA figures cited during the Davos address, the organisation received more than 500 million ticket requests during the latest application window, underscoring what Infantino called “incredible.”