Infantino responds to the World Cup controversies
A week after the final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino released a statement against those he considers critics for “spreading hatred and false rumors” about the tournament. In a 900-word message posted on Instagram and the FIFA site, Infantino praised his organization for “offering the best show in the world” and generating “joy and unity.”
“I am sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he wrote, addressing “those who are behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”
Recurring criticisms
During the World Cup, FIFA faced accusations for denying visas to Iranian leaders, a Somali referee and fans; Donald Trump’s alleged influence in allowing Folarin Balogun to avoid a sanction; unprecedented ticket prices and commercial breaks at every time.
Infantino defended that “every city was packed with fans” and that while they celebrated, critics “were busy sowing seeds of hate.” He added that FIFA was walking the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States talking to fans and ensuring security.
Strained relationship with the media
Infantino maintains a tense relationship with the press. His pre-tournament conference in Mexico City was his first with full international attendance since March 2023. In Rwanda, after his re-election, he asked journalists: “Why are you so bad?” In Mexico he suggested that critics “calm down, relax.”
Additionally, Congressman Jamie Raskin requested documents on ties between FIFA and the Trump administration. FIFA did not immediately respond.
Visas and the Iran case
Iran played at least three games in the United States, but changed its training camp to Tijuana. Infantino noted that Iran “entered the United States without incident or conflict” and that they worked to “unite two countries at war.”
Among the fans denied a visa was Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a Congolese fan known for his statue, who attended a match in Mexico. Infantino argued that “they mentioned the few people who were denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved.”
Decision on Balogun
Regarding the red card to the American forward, Infantino said that “subsequent decisions not to sanction players in certain situations are routine.” FIFA did not revoke the card but postponed the sanction; The written verdict has not yet been published.
Infantino closed with an invitation to reflect, meditate or watch a soccer game. “Much love to everyone,” he wrote.
