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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Sport
Exclusive by Matt Hughes

Gianni Infantino to dodge spotlight with 2026 World Cup draw held virtually

Gianni Infantino FA Fifa World Cup Saudi Arabia Zurich
Gianni Infantino speaks after receiving the the AFC Diamond of Asia award during the Asian Football Association Annual Awards 2023 ceremony in Seoul, South Korea
Gianni Infantino has not given a press conference since Fifa’s congress in Rwanda held in 2023. Photograph: Jeon Heon-Kyun/EPA

Gianni Infantino will avoid any ­scrutiny of the controversial decision to give the 2034 World Cup to Saudi Arabia next month after Fifa opted to stage the qualifying draw for the 2026 tournament as a virtual event.

Saudi Arabia’s successful 2034 bid will be confirmed by acclamation at an extraordinary Fifa congress, to be held online on 11 December, while the Guardian has learned that the draw for European qualifying for the 2026 World Cup two days later will also take place remotely.

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