Infantino defends World Cup, accuses critics of spreading ‘hate and false rumours’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” and insisting the tournament was successfully organised without major incidents.

 

In an open letter published on Monday and shared on his Instagram account and FIFA’s official platforms, Infantino said the competition delivered “only joy and happiness” despite the controversies that surrounded it.

 

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.

 

“To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens, spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world.

 

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”

 

The World Cup, hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, faced criticism over issues including high ticket prices, visa restrictions, geopolitical tensions and concerns about extreme summer temperatures.

 

Iran’s participation amid tensions with the United States, alongside concerns over Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, also drew attention to travel and visa policies.

 

Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the issues, saying the tournament promoted unity despite global challenges.

 

“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he said.

 

“The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics.”

 

He added that countries facing health and other challenges were also granted visas, arguing that critics focused on a few rejected applications while ignoring the millions that were approved.

 

His remarks contrasted with those of Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who described his team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament, while striker Mehdi Taremi labelled the team’s treatment a “disaster.”

 

Infantino also responded to criticism over officiating after reports that U.S. President Donald Trump asked FIFA to review the one-match suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to feature against Belgium in the Round of 16.

 

The decision drew criticism from UEFA, which described the development as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.”

 

Responding, Infantino said contentious refereeing and disciplinary decisions are common across major football competitions.

 

“Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues,” he said.

 

He added that it was “curious” that countries where similar practices occur were among those criticising FIFA’s handling of the World Cup.