FIFA chief Gianni Infantino mocked by BBC commentator as Spain win World Cup

20 August 2023 , 14:33

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FIFA chief Gianni Infantino mocked by BBC commentator as Spain win World Cup

BBC commentator Robyn Cowen poked fun at FIFA president Gianni Infantino while he was handing out winners' medals to Spain following their triumph over England in the Women's World Cup final.

Infantino has received plenty of criticism over the course of the last week and labelled as 'patronising' due to comments he made regarding the tournament. While the FIFA chief attempted to spark further interest in the women's game with his speech at the FIFA women's football convention, his remarks seemed to do more harm than good.

Infantino urged female figures within the game to "pick the right battles" and "convince us men" to help implement changes to the sport. He also added that the game's governing body will give them "open doors" and that women need to push them themselves.

A number of professionals from the women's game were quick to address the insensitive remarks, with ex-Ballon d'Or winner Ada Hegenberg taking to social media to sarcastically quip: "Working on a little presentation to convince men. Who's in?"

BBC presenter Gabby Logan described Infantino's comments as "ridiculous and reductive", but fellow BBC figure Cowen enjoyed the best comment on the matter as she, while on air, simply said: "The FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, has managed to find his way down to the stage through a lot of open doors."

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The not-so-subtle reference to Infantino's remarks did not go unnoticed by viewers watching on, with many of them acknowledging and praising Cowen's take. One wrote: "The commentator's (on BBC) comment about Infantino finding his way down to the stage through the open doors was elite. Cheered me up very slightly."

Another echoed that sentiment by adding: "Hahahahah BBC shooting on Gianni Infantino is what I needed this Sunday."

HAVE YOUR SAY! Was Infantino insensitive with his comments on developing the women's game? Comment below

BBC presenter Gabby Logan described Infantino's comments as "ridiculous and reductive" (AFP via Getty Images)

Over on ITV, emotions were running high because of the result, with Karen Carney struggling to hold back tears while she watched England's Lionesses lay crestfallen on the pitch come full-time.

"I'm struggling for words," Carney admitted. "That group there, I thought we had it. We were so confident going into the game, but it only took one brilliant moment to decide the game for Spain.

"I'm struggling. I'm gutted because the players gave everything on the pitch but Spain were exceptional tonight. We were just beaten by the better team. We just weren't quite there today."

Josh O'Brien