Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo has dined with US President Donald Trump at the White House in what was described as an "executive benediction" - a state visit aimed at refreshing US-Saudi relations, which include a $1 trillion investment by Saudi Arabia into the US economy.
The lavish dinner event took place just days after Ronaldo's highly publicized return to football, following allegations of sexual assault that were first reported in 2017. A stay in the US for Ronaldo would have undoubtedly cost him millions, and now with Trump at his back, it seems safe for the soccer star to play in Saudi Arabia without fear.
In a bizarre turn of events, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also made his first visit to the US since being accused by its intelligence service of complicity in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Here, he was exonerated by Trump on an aside to journalists.
The event brought together Ronaldo and Infantino, who has been a vocal supporter of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2027 World Cup alongside Qatar. However, many people are criticizing FIFA for allowing its top official to use football's popularity to endorse a movement that includes human rights abuses and nuclear cooperation with countries like Iran.
Critics point out that Infantino's actions were an example of "regime-washing," where a powerful individual uses their platform to whitewash the image of a corrupt leader. It is also seen as a breach of his duty of care, as FIFA should not use football's popularity to endorse politics or arm-twisting.
Meanwhile, many people are celebrating Scotland's qualification for the World Cup, with players like Troy Parrott showing the true spirit of the beautiful game. The article concludes that it is time for us to give up on the people who have weaponized football and demand a better future for the sport - one where its values are not undermined by politics or power struggles.
The lavish dinner event took place just days after Ronaldo's highly publicized return to football, following allegations of sexual assault that were first reported in 2017. A stay in the US for Ronaldo would have undoubtedly cost him millions, and now with Trump at his back, it seems safe for the soccer star to play in Saudi Arabia without fear.
In a bizarre turn of events, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman also made his first visit to the US since being accused by its intelligence service of complicity in the murder of Jamal Khashoggi. Here, he was exonerated by Trump on an aside to journalists.
The event brought together Ronaldo and Infantino, who has been a vocal supporter of Saudi Arabia's bid to host the 2027 World Cup alongside Qatar. However, many people are criticizing FIFA for allowing its top official to use football's popularity to endorse a movement that includes human rights abuses and nuclear cooperation with countries like Iran.
Critics point out that Infantino's actions were an example of "regime-washing," where a powerful individual uses their platform to whitewash the image of a corrupt leader. It is also seen as a breach of his duty of care, as FIFA should not use football's popularity to endorse politics or arm-twisting.
Meanwhile, many people are celebrating Scotland's qualification for the World Cup, with players like Troy Parrott showing the true spirit of the beautiful game. The article concludes that it is time for us to give up on the people who have weaponized football and demand a better future for the sport - one where its values are not undermined by politics or power struggles.
this whole thing feels so weird... Ronaldo gets to chill with Trump at the White House, but really what's going on here? Like, how can we just ignore the fact that Saudi Arabia is basically being whitewashed by FIFA and the US government? 
And Infantino is just using his platform to push a movement that includes human rights abuses? It's like, come on guys... can't we see beyond the money and the politics? 
I mean, I get it, he's a superstar and all that, but c'mon... let's not forget about the people who were hurt by his actions.
And we're supposed to be celebrating Scotland's qualification for the World Cup while all this is going on? 
It's time for us to take a step back and think about what's really important here... the values of football, or the power and politics that come with it? 
And meanwhile, Infantino is basically endorsing Saudi Arabia's human rights record? Like, isn't that what FIFA was supposed to be about - promoting fair play and sportsmanship? Not politics and power struggles! 
I feel bad for the guy, but it's weird how much influence these powerful people have 
Infantino is literally using football to promote human rights abuses? No way, that's just not right 
But hey, Scotland's in the World Cup now and that's a total win 
its time for us to stand up and demand better from our leaders and the ppl in charge of our sport 
let's keep it about the beautiful game not politics and power struggles 
It's like, hello, you can't just wash away corruption and abuse of power by waving a flag and smiling for the cameras.
like, who would've thought right? But let's get real for a sec... Saudi Arabia's investment into the US economy is straight fire 
plus he's got a point about regime-washing, we should be judgin' the regime, not fissa 
infantino's actions are so extra and it's time for him to take a seat 
