January 11 – FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been named International Sports Personality for 2023 at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Awards ceremony in Dubai.
Originally established in 2009 to recognise UAE residents’ individual achievement in a broad range of sport-related fields, the award was extended to international recipients just three years later.
During Infantino’s time at FIFA, he has played a large role in enabling the Middle East to build the region’s international football presence. As President of FIFA, Infantino oversaw the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, during which time he defended or minimised controversies surrounding Qatar’s human rights record, and recently played a dominating role in positioning Saudi Arabia’s to lead on hosting the 2034 FIFA World Cup.
“I am honoured to be awarded The International Sports Personality of the Year at the 12th edition of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Creative Sports Award in Dubai,” said Infantino.
“Receiving this award, which celebrates creativity, innovation and fairness in the sporting world, fills me with such pride because, at FIFA, we represent unity, fair competition, equality, and sustained global development.
“I would like to congratulate all the award winners and express my heartfelt gratitude to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed, His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, and the award committees for this award, the highest international award given by the city of Dubai.”
Contact the writer of this story, Harry Ewing, at moc.l1714143626labto1714143626ofdlr1714143626owedi1714143626sni@g1714143626niwe.1714143626yrrah1714143626