Officials familiar with the matter said President Joseph Aoun personally informed Infantino of the decree and outlined the administrative steps still required before it can take effect. Hashem Haidar, president of the Lebanese Football Association, emphasized that the decision recognizes Infantino as a “public figure who provides services to Lebanon,” a framing that positions the move within broader sports-development efforts.
A government source, speaking on condition of anonymity, also confirmed that the offer of citizenship had been extended. Infantino—already linked closely to Lebanon through his marriage to Leena al-Ashqar, a former LFA staff member—described the moment as both meaningful and expected. In an interview with Lebanese broadcaster LBCI, he expressed pride in the prospect, remarking that he has felt “Lebanese for many years already,” and welcomed the chance to formalize that connection.
According to a statement on the LFA’s official website, the president asked Infantino to complete the remaining legal documentation required to finalize the citizenship decree. The development arrives as Infantino has been vocal about his vision for Lebanon’s football infrastructure, arguing that the country is overdue for a modern, multi-purpose national stadium.
He revealed that FIFA is studying possibilities for a new 20,000–30,000-seat venue, describing contemporary stadiums as national symbols that represent ambition and progress. For Lebanon, he said, such a project could signal a forward-looking spirit, particularly for younger generations.
Haidar added that Infantino has pledged to fully fund the stadium’s construction once a suitable plot of land—preferably in Beirut—is secured by Lebanese authorities. The capital’s existing flagship venue, the Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, has a capacity of about 50,000 and played a central role in past regional competitions, but decades of wear and insufficient maintenance have left it in need of major renewal.
As Lebanon weighs the symbolic and practical implications of granting citizenship to one of global football’s most prominent figures, the initiative is being closely watched both domestically and within international sports circles. The dual track—formalizing Infantino’s status while exploring an ambitious infrastructure project—may shape the future of Lebanese football for years to come.