Congratulations to new FIFA president Gianni Infantino 2016-02-26 21:15:00 Vladimir Putin congratulated Gianni Infantino on his election as president of the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). The congratulatory message reads, in part: “Your active and fruitful activities within international sports organisations and significant personal contribution to developing the football movement have rightfully brought you a high level of authority. I am confident that your professional experience and extensive creative and organisational potential will help you in your new office, and serve to strengthen FIFA’s positions in the world. I would like to confirm Russia’s readiness to continue constructive cooperation with FIFA, particularly in preparing for the 2018 FIFA World Cup.”