FIFA’s Gianni Infantino offers a sincere apology to Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni following the World Cup controversy

The World Cup 2026 The draw, held on Friday, generated mixed reactions among viewers, with many claiming the broadcast lasted longer than necessary. One of the striking moments Argentina coach Lionel Scaloniwhose participation sparked controversy, and now FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly apologized to the manager.

During the World Cup draw, Scaloni appeared on stage to present the trophy. However, attention quickly shifted to the white gloves he had to wearas the Argentina The coach visibly struggled to handle the World Cup trophy while looking uncomfortable.

After the ceremony, in an interview with TNT Sports ArgentinaScaloni was asked about the moment and eventually explained what happened. “Because I thought you weren’t allowed to touch it with your hands. They won’t let you”, revealed the Argentine boss.

Previous ceremonies have allowed former World Cup champions to hold the trophy with their bare hands, making this year’s demand a surprise – even for Scaloni: “You know how they say: if you’re a World Cup champion, you can touch it – well, you can touch it, but this time with gloves. Without gloves, they actually wouldn’t let me until I put them on. Well, it’s protocol.”

Infantino’s apology to Scaloni

The day after the draw, on Saturday, with groups already confirmed, FIFA held the Match Schedule Reveal in Washington DC The event set dates and locations for the tournament’s matchesbut when Scaloni was present and had just discussed the incident, a remarkable apology took center stage.

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From the stage, Gianni Infantino acknowledged the mistake and immediately apologized to Lionel Scaloni: “I didn’t know I had to apologize to Lionel Scaloni for what happened yesterday. I was told he was asked to put on gloves to touch the trophy.

“My apologies on behalf of FIFA. I didn’t know. Of course the World Cup champions can touch the trophy. I didn’t know; El Fenomeno (Ronaldo) just told me hereInfantino said. He then invited Scaloni to the podium and presented him with the World Cup trophy again, this time without gloves.