Fifa is jeopardising its own existence in Qatar

Self-preservation was always instinct No.1 at Fifa’s Swiss retreat. But Gianni Infantino’s organisation has already fallen off the high-wire of obsequiousness to Qatar and assurances that it would defend the liberal values World Cups are meant to represent.

Two days before Germany were allowed their fightback, England surrendered to a Fifa threat to impose “sporting sanctions” on Harry Kane if he emerged against Iran wearing a “One Love” anti-discrimination armband. If Fifa’s aim was to ingratiate themselves with Qatar’s ruling clan, they alienated much of world football – especially powerful European countries protective of their dignity.

Infantino’s bizarre attempt to claim parity with the world’s oppressed through his experience of being “bullied” at school for having ginger hair had already dismayed the major countries. Intimidating their captains with the threat of instant yellow cards (and worse) has produced a moment of jeopardy for Qatar’s friends in Switzerland.

Fifa’s power base is ownership of the World Cup. Without that it’s just a secretariat. Already the game thinks it has abused its privileges by sending the tournament to Qatar and bisecting the club calendar in winter. From there it wouldn’t take too much grumbling for the big clubs and leagues to decide they’ve had enough. Noel Mooney, chief executive of the Wales FA, called the U-turn on rainbow symbols “pretty cheap and pretty low” and said his members were “absolutely furious.”

After reporters came away from a press conference with the idea that Denmark might cancel their Fifa membership, denials were issued by Danish officials. But it might have been the first crack. Infantino and Qatar promised to observe basic freedoms of expression. The big nations won’t stand idly by while Fifa shame them in the eyes of their constituents.