FIFA chief to receive Lebanese citizenship: association

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun notified FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Tuesday that he has approved granting him Lebanese citizenship, according to the head of the Lebanese Football Association who spoke to AFP.

"The President notified (Infantino) about the decree and the documents needed to finalise the process," stated Hashem Haidar, the president of the Lebanese Football Association (LFA).

"This citizenship decree for Infantino recognises his status as a prominent individual who contributes valuable services to Lebanon."

A government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, verified the decision.

Infantino, aged 55, holds Swiss-Italian nationality and is wed to Leena al-Ashqar, a Lebanese woman who previously worked with the LFA.

"I do not possess it yet, but it will arrive shortly. I feel excellent and immensely proud, truly delighted," Infantino shared with Lebanese broadcaster LBCI. "I have felt Lebanese for numerous years, so it is fitting to make this official too."

As per the LFA website, Aoun requested Infantino to "submit the required legal paperwork and documents to complete the Lebanese citizenship decree in due course".

Infantino highlighted that Lebanon requires "a top-tier football stadium".

"We are considering options for constructing a completely new stadium... capable of holding 20-30,000 fans," he continued.

"Nowadays, a stadium extends beyond a mere venue for matches," Infantino explained. "It serves as an emblem of a nation, and Lebanon deserves such a symbol in sports and football to demonstrate its commitment to progressing into the future within a contemporary setting. This would benefit the young people here."

Haidar noted that Infantino "committed to funding the entire construction of the new stadium in Lebanon".

"We must arrange the site for the stadium, and they will manage the remaining aspects of the build, with a strong preference for it to be located in Beirut," he elaborated.

The Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium in Beirut stands as Lebanons biggest, accommodating around 50,000 people. Inaugurated in 1957 and updated prior to the 1997 Arab Games, it has faced significant deterioration lately.