FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a strong defense of the recent World Cup, using a 15-slide social media post to criticize detractors he accused of being "consumed by hate." The outburst, cross-posted to FIFA's official Instagram page, aimed to address controversies that arose during the six-week tournament.
Infantino began by calling out those who he claimed "missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception and the joy." He suggested these critics were "so consumed by hate and criticism" and that they sat "behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors." He contrasted this with FIFA's efforts, stating, "while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard and delivering the best show in the world."
He asserted that the tournament experienced "no violence, no incidents, 100 percent safety and security, only joy and happiness!" However, reports from the tournament's opening day indicate violent protests occurred as riot police used tear gas against demonstrators prior to the match between Mexico and South Africa. These demonstrations involved multiple unions and activist groups protesting domestic issues. Additionally, incidents at fan parks and during post-match celebrations worldwide were noted. Tragically, four supporters died in Mexico City due to suffocation during street celebrations following Mexico's victory over Ecuador. Infantino's post did not mention these victims.
The FIFA president also addressed visa issues that affected some participants. He stated, "You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer." This remark came amid concerns raised by fans and officials regarding visa denials for individuals from Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, as well as Somali referee Omar Artan, who was reportedly denied entry due to terrorism fears. The Iranian Football Federation alleged that the U.S. and FIFA did not want their team at the World Cup. Infantino's post claimed that "Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict," though reports indicated that only four of the fifteen Iranian team staff members originally denied visas were later granted entry.
Infantino also appeared to comment on the controversy surrounding U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun's postponed suspension. Balogun was sent off during a match against Bosnia and Herzegovina but was later cleared to play in the subsequent game against Belgium after FIFA announced a postponement of his suspension. It was later reported that former U.S. President Donald Trump had contacted Infantino regarding the decision. Infantino addressed such situations by stating, "'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 criticizing."
The ruling on Balogun's suspension drew criticism from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association, and European lawmakers, with the Norwegian Football Federation confirming plans to file a formal complaint over Trump's alleged role. Infantino concluded his social media message by advising detractors to "take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions" to find peace, stating that FIFA had found its own peace by delivering the World Cup.