Twitter reacts to Gianni Infantino becoming FIFA's new president
After a seemingly never-ending nine-hour election, 45-year-old Gianni Infantino became FIFA's ninth president.
Gianni Infantino gives his victory speech after being elected as FIFA's ninth president. #FIFAelection https://t.co/jM1k9CZpeL
— FOX Soccer (@FOXSoccer) February 26, 2016
Infantino, who previously served as UEFA's general secretary, was one of the favorites heading into the election Friday, and won by a simple majority vote over Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim al Khalifa in the second round. Many current and former players and executives, including U.S. Soccer president Sunil Gulati, celebrated the result.
Congratulations @Gianni_2016 finally the change arrived ?? it's time for a new era in FIFA pic.twitter.com/8VMnOmXiRV
— Luís Figo (@LuisFigo) February 26, 2016
Congratulations to @Gianni_2016 on being elected #FIFA President. We look forward to working together to embrace reform and good governance.
— Sunil Gulati (@sunilgulati) February 26, 2016
Congratulations @Gianni_2016! #FIFAelection pic.twitter.com/wrstRHtGQB
— Gianluigi Buffon (@gianluigibuffon) February 26, 2016
With Gianni Infantino, new President of FIFA, congratulations! @FIFAcom pic.twitter.com/4UKh4QwBO5
— Javier Zanetti (@javierzanetti) February 26, 2016
No question that @ussoccer played a critical role in helping whip the votes between ballots. Switched to Infantino and brought friends.
— Sam Borden (@SamBorden) February 26, 2016
Many fans and analysts remained skeptical, however, as to whether Infantino could turn FIFA around.
Wish @Gianni_2016 all the best. He's got one hell of a job on his hands but seems a decent chap. Needs a sizeable new broom.
— Gary Lineker (@GaryLineker) February 26, 2016
Just to clarify this #FIFAelection could have taken about 12/15 minutes. Anyone else surprised #FIFA has made a mockery of this?! ???
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) February 26, 2016
Those following along just for the jokes were devastated Tokyo Sexwale didn't prevail.
Congratulations to new FIFA President Johnny Baby RT @JasonShutUp Pros: his name is technically Johnny Baby. Cons: everything else, probably
— Bruce Arthur (@bruce_arthur) February 26, 2016
Political wisdom long held a Bald Man can't become President. Gianni Infantino is a game changer for all Balds pic.twitter.com/PEGLPgOnZk
— roger bennett (@rogbennett) February 26, 2016
