World Cup pitch invader released without charge after help from Fifa president Gianni Infantino
Mario Ferri was taken away by security after interrupting Portugal’s game with Uruguay, having run onto the pitch wearing a T-shirt carrying messages of support for Ukraine and Iranian women
Your support helps us to tell the story
This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.
The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.
Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.
World Cup pitch invader Mario Ferri has been released without charge in Qatar after he brought a rainbow flag onto the pitch, and claimed that Fifa’s president helped to ‘resolve the situation’.
Ferri ran onto the field during Portugal’s group-stage win over Uruguay on Monday (28 November), carrying a rainbow flag and wearing a T-shirt that read “Save Ukraine” on the front and “Respect for Iranian Women” on the back.
Ferri was tackled by numerous security guards at the Lusail Stadium, but the Italian was back on social media on Tuesday (29 November) and said that he faces no charges.
Ferri wrote in an Instagram post, “I’M BACK,” and added in an Instagram story, “No legal consequences, I am free,” before telling Catalan radio station RAC 1 that Fifa president Gianni Infantino “came to me personally [and] resolved the situation”.
Numerous fans have had rainbow-themed clothing and items confiscated at the Qatar World Cup, with the colours linked to the LGBTQ+ community, while homosexuality is criminalised in Qatar.
This edition of the World Cup has come under great criticism due to the state’s laws and attitudes towards homosexuality, as well as other alleged human-rights abuses and thousands of reported migrant-worker deaths.
Meanwhile, Ukraine was invaded by Russia in February, and Iran has seen many anti-government protests in recent weeks after a 22-year-old woman, Mahsa Amini, died after being detained by police for wearing her hijab ‘improperly’.
Thirty-five-year-old Ferri, who has run onto the pitch at past World Cups, is reportedly a former football player who competed in India.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments