One week after the FIFA World Cup final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament and criticised what he described as negative coverage, accusing some critics of “spreading hate and false rumors.”In a 900-word statement published across a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on FIFA’s website late Sunday, Infantino said FIFA had succeeded in staging the World Cup and bringing people together.He praised FIFA for “delivering the best show in the world” and said the tournament had brought “joy and togetherness.”“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote, addressing his comments to “those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup over several issues, including Iran team officials, a Somali referee and some fans being denied entry to the United States, allegations of political influence by US President Donald Trump in allowing Folarin Balogun to avoid a suspension after receiving a red card, high ticket prices and commercial breaks introduced midway through each half of all 104 matches.“Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe,” Infantino wrote. “While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.”“While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone’s safety.”On Iran and US relationsIran’s participation in matches held in the United States had been one of the major issues before the tournament. The Iranian team eventually shifted its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico before the competition.“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino wrote. “While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”Some supporters were unable to enter the United States, including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the well-known Congo supporter, who attended one match in Mexico after being denied a US visa.“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino wrote. “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.”Defending Balogun decisionInfantino also responded to criticism over the handling of US forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.He said “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.”FIFA did not cancel Balogun’s red card, which sometimes happens in domestic competitions. Instead, it deferred his one-match suspension for a probationary period. FIFA has not yet released the disciplinary judge’s written decision.Ending his statement, Infantino urged critics to focus on football instead of criticism.
