Gianni Infantino, the FIFA President, has successfully obtained a Lebanese passport, expressing his pride and excitement during his visit to Beirut where discussions are ongoing about a football stadium project funded by FIFA.
Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has announced that he has acquired Lebanese citizenship and received his Lebanese passport, expressing a deep sense of pride during his stay in Beirut. This landmark moment was confirmed by Hashem Haidar, the head of the Lebanese Football Federation, who detailed that Infantino had completed all necessary procedures for obtaining the passport. His gesture underscores a personal connection to Lebanon, as Infantino is married to a Lebanese national, Lina Al Ashqar.
During his visit, discussions progressed significantly regarding a FIFA-funded stadium project in Lebanon, which is planned to meet international standards. According to Haidar, both FIFA and the Lebanese officials agreed to undertake a visit to an Arab country with a similar project to learn from their experiences and adapt a comparable model for Lebanon. This step emphasizes a collaborative approach to enhancing the football infrastructure in the country.
Moreover, the Lebanese Football Federation is working diligently to identify an appropriate location for the new stadium site, as positive advancements have already been made in this area. Infantino’s statements, shared via social media, highlight his affection for Lebanon, stating, "I am proud and happy to be here in Beirut, where I finally obtained my Lebanese passport. I love Lebanon," which adds a personal note to the diplomatic and athletic ties between FIFA and Lebanon.
