BALI, Indonesia (Reuters) - Football is much more than a sport, and has a “unique magic” power to bring people together, said FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino called on world leaders to set aside tensions and conflicts, and enjoy the quadrennial football event which is scheduled to take place from November 20 to December 18 in Qatar.
“The World Cup should be an occasion for joy and unity. It should send a message of hope,” Infantino told Xinhua.
Infantino said football is also an important economic activity with a global GDP of hundreds of billions of dollars, creating millions of jobs and bolstering economic growth. “This is about growth, economic growth,” said the FIFA head.
Infantino expected the FIFA World Cup in Qatar to be viewed by five billion people, more than half of the world’s population.
“Football touches the emotions of people. It is about passion and inclusion,” Infantino said.
“When you give a ball to a girl or to a boy, or even to a person who is a bit older, he or she starts to smile,” he said.