Cristiano Ronaldo has ignited fresh controversy on social media after liking a post by a journalist that described FIFA as “one of the most corrupt institutions on the planet.”
The post, shared by a journalist on social media, criticized FIFA over its governance and decision-making, branding the organization “one of the most corrupt institutions on the planet.” Ronaldo’s verified account was seen among those who liked the post, prompting widespread discussion online.
FIFA’s conduct and decision-making was under intense scrutiny throughout the World Cup and the months leading up to it.
Spanish journalists Pilar Rodrigues Losantos and Ruben Amon discussed FIFA’s conduct and decision-making on the show Espejo Público in the build-up to the World Cup final.
Ronaldo and Portugal were knocked out in the last 16 by Spain. But he liked a post showing the discussion.
Rodrigues Losantos said: ‘Argentina is a team that should have been eliminated about five matches ago – thanks to the help of FIFA, one of the most corrupt institutions on the planet [they weren’t eliminated].
‘Consequently, Argentina doesn’t scare me at all; what scares me is Infantino.
‘I believe we won’t just be playing against Argentina, but against the entire FIFA institution, which wants to hand the World Cup to Messi, just as happened four years ago in Qatar.’
Amon added: ‘Ticket prices have turned what was once a sport for the masses into an experience reserved for the elite; football is a people’s sport that has ceased to be one.
‘I consider FIFA to be an abject, mafia-like, and shameful organisation. Football survives despite the conduct of this disturbing body, and we will still enjoy the match, but not because of the conditions FIFA has imposed.’
In the end, Spain beat Argentina 1-0 after extra-time thanks to a 106th-minute winner from Ferran Torres.