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Doha, Qatar: FIFA President Gianni Infantino paid an emotional tribute to the Father Amir H H Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, describing him as a visionary leader, mentor and close friend whose influence would endure for generations.
In a message posted on social media following the passing of H H the Father Amir, Infantino said: “Today, a visionary has left us, but his vision will remain forever in the heart, soul, and the country he was born to, lived in, and cherished deeply. Today, the father has left us, but he is not gone.”
The FIFA President said he was deeply saddened by the loss of H H the Father Amir, whom he described as “a special person, a mentor, a visionary, and someone I was very close to.”
Infantino said the late Father Amir’s life should be celebrated for its many achievements, noting that during his 18 years as Qatar’s ruler he played a pivotal role in the nation’s development and helped shape it into the country it is today.
“I feel fortunate to have spent valuable time in his company. He was always inspiring, kind, and gracious in everything he did,” Infantino said.
Reflecting on their relationship, Infantino said H H the Father taught him that “vision is not only words; it is actions to be taken, a stand to be taken, a truth to be spoken.”
He also thanked H H the Father Amir for welcoming him to Qatar, saying the country had become “my home, my country” because of his “contagious love for this beautiful Qatar.”
Infantino recalled the success of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022, saying millions celebrated the tournament in Qatar “thanks to his determination and a vision bigger than all of us.”
“Today, we mourn a visionary, but we also celebrate a vision that will stay in the memory and the hearts of everyone,” he said.
The FIFA President concluded by extending his condolences to the Amir H H Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the Al-Thani family and the people of Qatar, saying his “heart, thoughts, and prayers” were with them during this difficult time.
