Infantino opens FIFA Arena in Lebanon and vows to put country back on football map

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has opened the FIFA Arena in Chahine, Mount Lebanon, near the capital Beirut, and pledged the organisation’s support for the development of football in Lebanon.

Infantino said FIFA would work with the country to help it regain a prominent place in the global game.

“This beautiful flag is in my heart, and it is one of the most beautiful flags in the world,” Infantino said at the opening ceremony. “Together, we will achieve many things, and we will work to make Lebanon shine again on the global football map.”

The ceremony was attended by Lebanese Football Association president Hashem Haidar, Chahine municipality president Nouman Abi El Mouna and a number of Lebanese officials.

Infantino arrived at Rafic Hariri International Airport in Beirut earlier on the same day, where he was welcomed by Haidar and Lebanese Football Association secretary general Jihad El Chahaf.

Before travelling to Chahine for the stadium opening, Infantino visited the office of the Lebanese Football Association president.

The FIFA president also posed for a commemorative photograph with Lebanese football talents during the event.