FIFA President Gianni Infantino used a 15-slide Instagram post to address critics of the recently concluded World Cup, accusing them of being "consumed by hate" and encouraging them to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" to find peace.
Infantino, who did not hold press conferences at the start or end of the tournament, stated that those who "missed our beautiful game" were "spreading hate and false rumors" from behind their screens. He contrasted this with FIFA's efforts, asserting, "we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard and delivering the best show in the world."
He claimed the event saw "no violence, no incidents, 100 percent safety and security, only joy and happiness." However, reports from the tournament's opening day indicated violent protests involving riot police and demonstrators in Mexico City prior to the match between Mexico and South Africa. These demonstrations were organized by a coalition of unions and activist groups focusing on domestic issues.
Further incidents were reported at fan parks and during post-match celebrations. Tragically, four supporters died in Mexico City from suffocation during celebrations following Mexico's victory over Ecuador. Infantino's social media post did not mention these victims.
The FIFA president also addressed issues related to visa denials, including for fans of Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast, as well as Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry to the U.S. due to terrorism fears. Infantino stated that while "a few people denied visas," millions were approved, demonstrating that "football unites the world."
He also commented on the situation involving the Iranian team, noting that "Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict." However, sources indicate that only four out of fifteen Iranian team staff members initially denied visas were eventually permitted to travel. U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin had claimed that nearly half of Iran's non-playing delegation had ties to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, a statement that drew criticism from the Iranian Football Federation.
Infantino also appeared to allude to the controversy surrounding U.S. Men's National Team forward Folarin Balogun. Balogun received a red card during a match, making him ineligible for the subsequent game against Belgium. However, FIFA announced a postponement of his suspension, a decision that emerged after a reported phone call between former President Donald Trump and Infantino. Infantino described such decisions as "routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide" and found it "curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing."
The Norwegian Football Federation has confirmed plans to file a formal complaint regarding Trump's alleged involvement in the Balogun decision.
Infantino concluded his statement by urging critics to reflect and find peace, stating, "To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't. May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate."