FIFA President Infantino Joins Lebanese Ranks

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has received Lebanese citizenship, granted by President Joseph Aoun. The formalities were completed at the Interior Ministry in Beirut. Infantino, with existing citizenships in Italy and Switzerland, expressed pride in obtaining his new Lebanese passport. This move follows an exceptional legal concession for Infantino's family.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially become a Lebanese citizen, a process finalized at the Interior Ministry in Beirut. This comes months after Lebanese President Joseph Aoun granted him citizenship, a decision that notably bypasses the usual legal restrictions.

Infantino, who holds Italian and Swiss citizenships, is married to Lebanon's Lina al-Ashkar. At a meeting with President Aoun, he completed the necessary formalities, including submitting documents, fingerprinting, and receiving his passport. Infantino expressed his gratitude, stating his connection and affection for Lebanon.

Lebanese nationality laws typically prevent women from passing citizenship to foreign spouses and children. However, an exception for Infantino highlights the unique legal circumstances, contrasting with the automatic rights granted to foreign wives of Lebanese men. This case underlines the complex nationality laws in Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies.)