Infantino slams World Cup critics for ‘spreading hate, false rumours’
by Moronfolu Adeyemi · The Eagle OnlineFIFA President Gianni Infantino has launched a strong defence of the just-concluded World Cup, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” while insisting the tournament delivered “only joy and happiness.”
Infantino, in a lengthy open letter published on Monday through his Instagram account and FIFA’s official channels, addressed controversies that surrounded the tournament hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The FIFA chief urged critics to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray,” arguing that their focus on controversies prevented them from appreciating the tournament.
“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 build-up to the tournament had been dominated by concerns over ticket prices, geopolitical tensions, conflicts, visa restrictions and extreme summer heat across the three host nations.
Iran’s participation amid its conflict with the United States also attracted attention, while Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo brought further scrutiny to visa and travel arrangements.
Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry into the United States amid President Donald Trump’s hardline immigration measures.
Infantino, however, insisted FIFA worked to overcome political divisions and ensure participating countries were able to compete.
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“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.”
Addressing other visa controversies, Infantino added: “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.
“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world.”
His assessment contrasted with that of Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who described his side as the “most oppressed” team at the World Cup, while star striker Mehdi Taremi labelled their treatment a “disaster.”
Infantino also responded to criticism surrounding officiating and disciplinary decisions during the competition.
The controversy intensified after it emerged that Trump had personally asked the FIFA president to review the one-match suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to feature against Belgium in the Round of 16.
UEFA criticised the episode as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” adding that it “crossed a red line.”
Infantino, however, argued that controversial refereeing and disciplinary decisions were not unique to the World Cup.
“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.
“Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.
“It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
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