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Gary Lineker reveals decision to distance himself from FIFA
Gary Lineker has revealed that he made a deliberate decision to distance himself from FIFA following an incident during the 2018 World Cup draw in Russia. Speaking on his podcast, ‘The Rest Is Football’, the former England striker explained that he declined an invitation to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the ceremony, using the excuse that he needed to prepare his script.
Lineker stated that the situation made him feel uncomfortable and prompted a premeditated strategy to avoid working with the football governing body to ensure his media independence. He noted that he has avoided any association with FIFA since the beginning of this decade to prevent being influenced from within the organization.
Additionally, Lineker criticized the current leadership of FIFA, specifically targeting President Gianni Infantino. He described the prospect of Infantino running for a fourth term in 2027 as ‘absurd’ and advocated for stricter term limits to prevent the concentration of power within the organization.
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Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lineker criticized Gianni Infantino's intention to run for a fourth term as FIFA president in 2027. www.abola.pt · www.mundodeportivo.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Gary Lineker made a deliberate decision several years ago to distance himself from FIFA. www.abola.pt · www.mundodeportivo.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lineker refused an invitation to meet Russian President Vladimir Putin during the 2018 World Cup draw. www.abola.pt · www.mundodeportivo.com · www.independent.co.uk
- [● 3 SOURCES] Lineker maintains his distance from FIFA to ensure his media work remains independent and uninfluenced. www.abola.pt · www.mundodeportivo.com · www.independent.co.uk