DID Press: Mohamed Aboutrika has accused FIFA of using the 2026 World Cup to “whitewash” what he described as U.S. crimes, criticizing the decision to award hosting rights to the United States.
Aboutrika said FIFA President Gianni Infantino was seeking to stage the tournament in “an aggressor country,” arguing that the World Cup was being used to restore the image of the host nation.
“The country participating in the genocide in Gaza is now hosting the World Cup to restore its reputation,” Aboutrika said in remarks circulated in a video statement.
He further alleged that the United States was attempting to use the tournament to “whitewash its crimes” and rebuild its international standing, citing its policies toward Iran and Venezuela as examples.
Neither FIFA nor U.S. officials had immediately responded to Aboutrika’s comments.