Gianni Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched a scathing attack on critics of the World Cup, claiming they were “consumed by hate and criticism” and spreading “false rumors.” The latest developments emerged a week after Spain’s win over Argentina in the final, with Infantino responding to ongoing controversies that included President Donald Trump’s involvement in suspending the red card ban on U.S. striker Folarin Balogun and the denial of a visa to Somali referee Omar Artan. The open letter, published on Instagram, also addressed allegations of “deceptive” ticket sales and systemic issues in visa processing for fans from Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast.

Infantino’s message emphasized the tournament’s success, stating, “There was no violence… only joy and happiness.” He defended the Balogun decision, calling referee and disciplinary rulings “routine” in major leagues and accusing critics of “curious” condemnation. The FIFA president highlighted Iran’s participation, noting the team entered the U.S. “without incident or conflict” amid ongoing tensions, and cited the “power of football” as fans from opposing nations united during matches. “When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song,” he wrote, framing the event as a triumph of unity over politics.

The Somali referee’s exclusion, which became a symbol of the host nations’ immigration policies, was referenced again in the letter. Infantino accused critics of “missing all that joy and togetherness,” urging them to “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions.” He also targeted journalists, claiming they “spread hate and false rumors” while FIFA “delivered the best show in the world.”

The updated response comes amid unresolved disputes, including the exclusion of parts of Iran’s coaching staff and the last-minute relocation of training facilities. Infantino’s rhetoric echoed previous claims that critics “overlooked the millions who were approved” for visas, though the Iranian coach had previously complained about travel chaos affecting the team. The U.S. government’s role in denying Artan entry, linked to Trump’s immigration policies, continued to fuel debates over the tournament’s inclusivity.

Infantino’s message, described as an “extraordinary essay” by some outlets, also addressed the “deceptive” ticket sales allegations. The FIFA president closed by urging critics to “find peace,” asserting that the tournament had “celebrated humanity at its best” and delivered “the most outstanding FIFA World Cup.”