FIFA President Gianni Infantino has launched a fierce defense of the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics of spreading hate and false narratives while touting the tournament as a celebration of “happiness, unity, safety and togetherness.”
In an open letter published on Instagram Monday, the 56-year-old Infantino said detractors overlooked the joy and unity experienced by millions of fans worldwide during the tournament, which was hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico and won by Spain.
“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.”
Infantino emphasized that there was no violence, no incidents, and 100% safety and security at the tournament, with “only joy and happiness.”
The letter came less than a week after FIFA announced it was investigating an on-pitch altercation between Argentina and Spain players after the final in New Jersey. FIFA faced criticism over several issues during the tournament, including U.S. visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from various countries, as well as concerns involving teams from conflict-hit regions like Iran.
Iran, eliminated in the group stage, was forced to move its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to the Middle East conflict and faced logistical issues traveling to and from the U.S. for its three group matches.
Infantino also addressed criticism of FIFA’s handling of Folarin Balogun’s disciplinary case, where an automatic one-match ban for the U.S. striker was suspended after intervention by U.S. President Donald Trump. He argued that such decisions are routine in major leagues worldwide.
“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,” he said. “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
Infantino pointed to the participation of countries facing political tensions, domestic crises, and health challenges as evidence of football’s ability to transcend divisions. He acknowledged a few visa denials but highlighted that millions were approved.
“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,” he said, contrasting with Iran head coach Amir Ghalenoei’s remarks calling Team Melli the “most oppressed” team.
Earlier this month, human rights group FairSquare lodged a complaint with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) against Infantino, alleging he breached political neutrality rules by supporting Trump, but the IOC rejected the complaint.
Source: www.aljazeera.com