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FIFA's Infantino Misjudges English Fans' World Cup Conduct

1/24/2026

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Summary

Story summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented on English fans at World Cups, noting a low arrest rate over six tournaments.
Since 1998, only one World Cup was easily accessible for English fans, resulting in 55 arrests among 432,000 attendees, with 28 being non-violent.
There were no arrests for England fans during the 2010 South Africa and 2014 Brazil tournaments.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts stated that British fans generally behave well and criticized Infantino's remarks as unhelpful and inaccurate.

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Story summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino commented on English fans at World Cups, noting a low arrest rate over six tournaments.
Since 1998, only one World Cup was easily accessible for English fans, resulting in 55 arrests among 432,000 attendees, with 28 being non-violent.
There were no arrests for England fans during the 2010 South Africa and 2014 Brazil tournaments.
Chief Constable Mark Roberts stated that British fans generally behave well and criticized Infantino's remarks as unhelpful and inaccurate.