British police officials have responded to a recent comment made by FIFA president Gianni Infantino regarding the behavior of British fans during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. In a statement released on January 23, 2026, the UK’s lead officer for football policing addressed Infantino’s remarks, characterizing them as neither helpful nor accurate.
The comment in question was made by Infantino in what he described as a humorous aside. He referred to the conduct of British fans at the Qatar tournament in a way that UK authorities found misleading. Although the specifics of the statement were not elaborated upon publicly, the response from UK police highlights concerns about mischaracterizations that can impact public perception and international relations in football.
Mark Roberts, the UK’s lead police officer for football-related matters and Chief Constable of Cheshire Police, stated that British supporters in Qatar were largely well-behaved, and their conduct during the tournament was commendable. According to Roberts, the policing strategy and cooperation with international and local law enforcement helped ensure that British fans were able to attend and enjoy the matches without major incident.
Roberts expressed concern that Infantino’s comments could overshadow the largely positive record of fan conduct during the event. “It is important that public statements from prominent figures like the FIFA president are accurate, especially when they relate to issues of public order and safety,” he said.
The 2022 World Cup in Qatar presented several logistical and cultural challenges for fans from around the world, including those from the UK, due to the host country’s regulations and infrastructure. Despite initial concerns, international observers and UK police noted that British attendance passed without major disturbances, a fact that officials have pointed out in defending the reputation of traveling supporters.
UK authorities point to successful fan engagement programs, thorough preparation, and the cooperation between British law enforcement and host nation officials as contributing factors to the smooth conduct during the tournament.
As global attention continues to focus on host countries’ preparedness and fan behavior at international tournaments, UK officials have underscored the importance of balanced representations based on concrete evidence.
