JAKARTA - FIFA President Gianni Infantino launched a scathing attack on critics of the 2026 World Cup. He accused them of being filled with hatred and said they should reflect, meditate, pray, or watch football matches.
In a lengthy message published after the tournament, Infantino defended FIFA's handling of the 2026 World Cup, claiming critics had missed all the joy and togetherness and said they had spread hatred and false rumors instead of celebrating football.
The post, which appeared to be addressed to journalists and shared on Infantino's personal Instagram account as well as FIFA's official channels, comes after a controversial 2026 World Cup.
The controversy in question concerns restrictions on US visas affecting supporters and officials from several participating countries, the suspension of a ban on playing one automatic match for the US player Folarin Balogun after an intervention by US President Donald Trump, and an investigation into the pricing of 2026 World Cup tickets.
"To all of you who missed the moment of watching children, babies, grandparents, and parents gather for this beautiful game."
"I'm sorry the game is over. I'm sorry you missed all the excitement and camaraderie."
"I'm sorry because you are so engrossed in hatred and criticism that you miss everything. To those behind the pen and paper, behind the scenes who spread hatred and false rumors, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are at the forefront of organizing, working hard, and presenting the best show in the world," wrote Infantino.
Infantino also claimed that the 2026 World Cup was free of violence, no incidents, 100 percent safe and protected, just joy and happiness. He added that 7 million people from more than 200 countries attended matches throughout the tournament.
The FIFA president thanked the governments of host countries Canada, Mexico and the United States, along with police forces and volunteers, for helping make what he described as the most extraordinary World Cup.
Much of Infantino's statement appeared to be in response to the controversy surrounding the tournament.
FIFA is facing criticism over travel restrictions to the United States that affect supporters and officials from several participating countries, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Somali referee Omar Artan was also unable to enter the United States after his visa was denied. However, Infantino again defended the handling of the visa.
"You mention a few people whose visas were denied and ignore the millions approved, from all over the world. Football unites the world, it has been impressively shown this summer," he wrote.
He also appeared to be referring to criticism surrounding disciplinary decisions during the tournament, including FIFA's decision to suspend Balogun's automatic one-match ban after the United States striker was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Trump then revealed that he had spoken to Infantino about Balogun's case before FIFA confirmed that the striker would be eligible to face Belgium.
FIFA maintains that the FIFA Independent Disciplinary Committee that made the decision, but the decision triggered accusations of political interference from UEFA, the Belgian Football Federation, and European lawmakers.
Without referring directly to the incident, Infantino wrote that disputed refereeing decisions or strange disciplinary decisions are routine and widely accepted in some of the world's biggest leagues.
"Strangely, the countries that implement these practices are the ones who criticize," he added.
The Norwegian Football Federation later confirmed its intention to file a formal complaint with FIFA regarding Trump's role in the Balogun case.
Only, the pressure did not seem to shake Infantino who was good at shifting focus. He even urged critics to focus on what he called football's ability to unite people.
"To those who spend time and energy hating us, take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and really observe the faces, eyes, and emotions. May football overcome all hatred," he wrote.
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