FIFA president Gianni Infantino has ignored the Matildas’ call for equal prizemoney at the men’s and women’s World Cups, saying he’s “happy with everything”.
In Auckland ahead of Thursday’s start to the FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is being hosted by Australia and New Zealand, Infantino said he was only interested in the “positives” when asked about gender equity in football.
The prizemoney for the women’s World Cup is $US110m ($A162m) compared with the pool of $US440m ($A648m) at last year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar.
“Money is always a tricky and sensitive issue,” said Infantino in relation to financial parity across the sport worldwide.
“Today is the eve of the opening game at the Women’s World Cup.
“It’s a moment to focus on the positives, to focus on the happiness and the joy.
“Until the (final on) 20th of August, you will hear from me only positive things.
“If somebody’s still not happy about something, well I’m sorry. I’m happy with everything and I love everyone.”
Infantino said his “only message” was for the Australian and New Zealand publics to “seize the moment”.
“Be proud of what you have been able to achieve here, in New Zealand, in Australia. Be proud of what will be the biggest event – not just sports event -– that has been organised here so far.”
Infantino also spoke of the “journey” – which included a “promotional element” – that women’s football was on
“We want to see, all over the world, at lease one hour of women’s football streamed by the main broadcasters because that’s the only way you can promote the game,” he said.
“It’s the most effective way to grow women’s football all over the world.
“That’s what we’ll focus on in the next couple of years.”