FIFA president Gianni Infantino has stated that someday North Korea could host the World Cup.
Infantino – who is set to be re-elected for a third term – revealed that any nation is eligible to host an event, adding that his organisation wants to help unite the world.
Infantino gave an extended speech ahead of the start of the controversial Qatar World Cup on Sunday, in which he hit back at the criticism levelled at FIFA over the staging of the tournament.
The Swiss-born president also admitted to visiting North Korea in the past in an attempt to gauge whether the nation would be open to co-hosting a Women’s tournament alongside their neighbours South Korea.
“FIFA is a global football organisation,” Infantino said. “We are football people, not politicians, and we want to bring people together.
“Any country can host an event. If North Korea wants to host something…
“I actually went to North Korea some years ago to ask the North Koreans if they were ready to host part of a Women’s World Cup with South Korea.
“Well, I was not successful, obviously, but I would go another 100 times if it would help.
“Only engagement can bring real change. We’re a global organisation and want to remain an organisation that unites the world.”
