FIFA Boss Gives the World More Reason to Ignore Soccer in Qatar

On the eve of signature sporting events, athletic administrators often address the media, as a sort of “state-of-the-union” affair to address a league’s accomplishments and concerns. Before the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, for example, commissioners of the NFL and NBA speak to the press, take some questions from reporters, and either offer direct answers or spin as they see fit. It’s an almost ceremonial exercise.

The goal: mollify the media before everyone moves onto the big games.

On Saturday in Doha, FIFA president Gianni Infantino offered a new twist on…