Lebanese President Joseph Aoun has approved granting Lebanese citizenship to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the head of the Lebanese Football Association (LFA) confirmed on Tuesday.
According to Hashem Haidar, LFA President, the decree was issued in recognition of Infantino as a public figure contributing to Lebanon. “The President informed Infantino of the decree and the requirements to complete the citizenship process,” Haidar said. A government official also confirmed the approval, speaking on condition of anonymity.
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Infantino, 55, a Swiss-Italian national, is married to Leena al-Ashqar, a Lebanese former LFA staff member. Speaking to Lebanese channel LBCI, Infantino said: “I don’t have it yet, but soon. I feel very good and very proud, I feel very happy. I am Lebanese for many, many years already, so it’s good that we formalise this as well.”
The LFA noted that President Aoun requested Infantino to complete the necessary legal documents to finalize the citizenship decree in due course.
Plans for a New State-of-the-Art Stadium
Infantino also announced plans to support the construction of a modern football stadium in Lebanon with a capacity of 20,000–30,000 spectators. He emphasized that a stadium is more than just a venue for sports; it is a symbol of national progress and a space to inspire Lebanese youth.
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Haidar added that Infantino has pledged to cover all construction costs, stating that the land would be secured in Beirut, while the construction process would be fully managed by his team.
Currently, Lebanon’s largest stadium, the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut, holds around 50,000 spectators. Opened in 1957 and renovated for the 1997 Arab Games, it has suffered from years of neglect, highlighting the need for a modern facility.
Infantino’s Lebanese citizenship and his commitment to building a new stadium are seen as significant steps toward boosting football development and infrastructure in the country.
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