FIFA president Gianni Infantino fired back at World Cup detractors on Monday, accusing them of "spreading hate and false rumours" while claiming the tournament brought "only joy and happiness". In a lengthy open letter shared across Instagram and official FIFA channels, he told critics to "take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray".
The tournament had drawn scrutiny over several controversies, from steep ticket costs to visa complications and geopolitical tensions. Infantino didn't shy away from addressing those who questioned FIFA's handling of the event.
"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," he 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."
The FIFA chief highlighted what he saw as the tournament's successes. "We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness," he said.
The build-up to the tournament in Canada, Mexico and the United States had been overshadowed by anxiety about astronomical prices, geopolitical tensions, and scorching summer temperatures. Iran's participation amid conflict with the United States raised fresh questions about visa and travel restrictions, as did concerns over Haiti's domestic turmoil and an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Somali referee Omar Artan became the tournament's most prominent casualty when he was barred entry to the United States under President Donald Trump's strict immigration policies. Yet Infantino defended FIFA's work in managing these challenges.
"While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war," he said. "Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.
The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It's not about politics."
According to him, nations grappling with serious health crises or other difficulties were granted entry authorisation. "You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world," Infantino added.
His comments clashed sharply with statements from Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who branded his squad the "most oppressed" team at the tournament. Star forward Mehdi Taremi called his team's experience a "disaster".
Infantino also tackled questions about match officiating after reports surfaced that Trump had personally asked the FIFA president to review a one-game suspension given to US striker Folarin Balogun, which would have kept him out of the last-16 clash with Belgium. UEFA and other critics condemned what they called an "unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable" decision that "crossed a red line".
"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," Infantino told his detractors. He noted that disputed referee calls and unusual disciplinary rulings happen routinely across top competitions.
