Inter – Barça: the controversial outing of the FIFA boss on his preference

In what has now turned into a heated pre-match debate, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sparked widespread controversy just hours before the decisive Champions League semi-final second leg between Inter Milan and FC Barcelona. Instead of projecting the expected neutrality of his position, Infantino publicly declared his allegiance—and it wasn’t to the Catalan side.

As Inter prepare to host Barça at the iconic San Siro, football fans around the world are eagerly anticipating a thrilling encounter. The first leg ended in a spectacular 3-3 draw at Montjuïc, setting up a do-or-die second leg with a ticket to the Champions League final on the line. Yet, amid the anticipation, the focus has now been somewhat diverted by the most unexpected of voices.

During a public appearance at the Miami Grand Prix over the weekend, Infantino openly stated, “Everyone knows that I am an Inter supporter,” flashing a smile that was anything but innocent. The statement, while brief, has ignited a firestorm of criticism, particularly from the Catalan media and FC Barcelona supporters.

Observers were quick to point out that such declarations from the FIFA president, the highest-ranking official in world football, risk undermining the impartiality and credibility of the governing body. FIFA, often under scrutiny for bias and controversial decisions, may now have to answer uncomfortable questions about the boundaries of personal opinion and institutional duty.

To make matters worse, Infantino didn’t stop at confessing his club loyalty. He went on to highlight Inter’s strength, particularly focusing on Lautaro Martínez, the Argentine striker who remains a doubt for the semi-final due to muscular discomfort. “Lautaro is a key asset for Inter,” Infantino stated, which only added to the perception that he was tipping the scales before the battle had even begun.

Infantino’s comments come at a time when the pressure on referees and VAR officials is already immense. With the football world split into passionate camps and Champions League glory at stake, any hint of favoritism—even verbal—can snowball into claims of bias or conspiracy.

The statement, “Inter is the team of Argentinians,” made in reference to legends like Diego Simeone, Javier Zanetti, and Diego Milito, may be a nod to football history. However, for many Barça fans, it’s a direct insult and a not-so-subtle attempt to align the football world’s sympathies with the Nerazzurri.

In Catalonia, the outrage has been swift and intense. Sports dailies such as Sport and Mundo Deportivo ran headlines criticizing Infantino’s unprofessionalism, calling his statements “a disgrace” and “an affront to the values of fair play.” For a city that has long fought for recognition and fairness—both on and off the pitch—this episode feels like a deep betrayal.

Some fans took to social media, demanding an official apology from FIFA. “The president of FIFA should not be acting like a fan. We expect balance, not bias,” one user wrote. Another added, “If Barça is eliminated, will we now suspect FIFA’s hand behind the scenes?”

FC Barcelona, for their part, has remained publicly silent. No official statement has been released from the club as of yet, though sources close to the club suggest that the board is “displeased” and watching closely for any signs of biased officiating in the second leg.

This is not the first time Infantino’s behavior has raised eyebrows. His presence at major global events, including the World Cup and high-profile matches, has often been criticized for blurring the line between diplomacy and fandom. But this might be the most direct statement yet—one that could have tangible repercussions.

Football, especially at the Champions League level, thrives on the perception of fairness. The beauty of the sport lies in its unpredictability and the idea that, once the whistle blows, every team has a fair chance. Infantino’s remarks, however light-hearted they may have been, threaten to chip away at that foundational belief.

The timing couldn’t be worse. Inter and Barça are both entering the match at full intensity, with tactical battles expected in every corner of the pitch. Xavi’s men are determined to prove their worth after a turbulent season, while Simone Inzaghi’s squad is riding high on belief and home support. The last thing either side needs is external drama casting shadows over their efforts.

Even neutral fans are divided. Some argue that Infantino’s comments are a harmless expression of fandom. Others maintain that the head of FIFA should refrain from all forms of public partiality. As one commentator said on Italian TV, “It’s not what he said—it’s who said it. That makes all the difference.”

Whether Infantino’s declaration has any real influence on the outcome remains to be seen. What’s certain is that the heat of the semi-final has just gotten even more intense, and the spotlight is now not only on the players—but on the president of FIFA himself.

As the clock ticks down to kickoff, San Siro is set to become the stage for one of the most anticipated matches of the season. But beyond the goals, tactics, and drama, one question will linger: Can football still be trusted to remain free from bias when even its most powerful figure can’t resist choosing a side?

In a game where perception often matters as much as performance, Infantino’s misstep has already added fuel to an already raging fire. And should anything controversial happen during the clash, his words may well come back to haunt him—and FIFA.

Regardless of the outcome on the pitch, the off-field battle for integrity and fairness has already begun. And the football world is watching.