Napoli club owner Aurelio De Laurentiis used a recent lifetime‑achievement award ceremony in Rome to deliver a theatrical assessment of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. While the Italian film‑producer‑turned‑football‑executive hinted at a desire to “shoot” Infantino over the governing body’s recent push to sell shares of the World Cup to private investors, he ultimately praised the tournament’s execution.
From Threat to Applause
Speaking after receiving the award from Italy’s Foreign Press Association, De Laurentiis said, “Infantino is someone who does his job from his point of view.” He noted that the former secretary‑general‑turned‑president now travels the globe with the FIFA badge, meeting leaders such as President Trump, President Putin and other world figures. “What are we supposed to say to him? He is doing his job from his perspective,” he added.
When asked about the 2026 World Cup venues, De Laurentiis admitted that the stadiums were “organised in an extraordinary way.” He confessed that his initial reaction was, “I wanted to shoot Infantino; but when I saw how he had organised everything, I said: ‘No, I hold my hands up, I have to say well done.’” The Napoli owner’s remarks underscored a shift from criticism to reluctant admiration for the event’s logistics.
Critique of European Football Governance
Beyond the World Cup, De Laurentiis launched a broader critique of European football’s power structures. He contrasted the United States, which he called “a shining beacon,” with a Europe he described as “in crisis.” He questioned the purpose of competitions such as the Europa League and the Conference League, suggesting they exist primarily to generate votes for officials who operate beyond any legislative oversight.
He warned that European football bodies “do whatever they want and, if you raise your head even slightly, they immediately want to cut it off.” Referencing past scandals at FIFA and UEFA, De Laurentiis called for greater transparency and accountability within the sport’s governing institutions.
Family‑Friendly Vision for Napoli
De Laurentiis also used the platform to outline his vision for Napoli’s home stadium. He reiterated his opposition to “ultras” and hooliganism, describing such groups as being “moulded from the Mafia, ’ndrangheta and Camorra.” Emphasizing a family‑friendly environment, he said football should focus on passion and the education of children, not on violent fan factions.
He called on police chiefs and government ministers to address the problem, stating that until authorities act, the issue remains a major concern for the city and its supporters.
Context and Reactions
De Laurentiis’s comments come amid ongoing debate within FIFA about a proposed plan to allow private investors to purchase shares in the World Cup and other competitions. Critics argue the move could commercialise the sport further and erode the governing body’s independence, while supporters claim it would bring needed capital and transparency.
Infantino has faced calls for resignation from various quarters, but he has defended the proposal as a way to modernise football’s financial model. The Napoli president’s mixed message—both condemning and commending Infantino—reflects the broader tension between traditional football values and the sport’s evolving commercial landscape.
Local Impact
While the remarks were made on a global stage, De Laurentiis’s emphasis on a family‑friendly stadium and the removal of extremist fan groups resonates with Napoli’s local community. Fans and city officials have long debated stadium safety, crowd control, and the role of organized crime in football culture. De Laurentiis’s call for stronger police and governmental action aligns with ongoing efforts to make match days safer for families.
As Napoli continues to rebuild its brand after financial turmoil two decades ago, the club’s leadership appears committed to aligning the team’s image with broader societal values—faith in family, respect for law, and a desire for transparent governance in the sport.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
