Zurich: Fifa president Gianni Infantino has issued a strong statement to his critics, suggesting they "meditate, pray or watch a football match" rather than "spreading hate and false rumors" about his leadership and the World Cup. In a 15-slide post shared on his personal Instagram account, was also reposted to Fifa's eight million followers, Infantino addressed "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens," asserting that Fifa is delivering the "greatest event on earth" while critics are "busy planting seeds of hate."
According to TRTworld.com, Infantino emphasized the World Cup's role in celebrating humanity and claimed that the 2026 tournament promises "100% safety and security, only joy and happiness." He downplayed several controversies that emerged during the tournament, highlighting Iran's participation despite their conflict with co-hosts the United States as a success. Infantino stated that Fifa "worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war," with Iran entering the country "without incident or conflict."
Contradicting Infantino's views, Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as the "most oppressed" at the World Cup, citing visa delays, denial of entry for key backroom staff, and ticket allocation issues. Iran had to relocate their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico due to logistical challenges, and faced movement restrictions during their group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
The issues were not exclusive to Iran; fans from Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast were affected by travel bans under the Trump administration, and Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the US despite holding a diplomatic passport and a visa. Infantino acknowledged the few denied visas but highlighted the millions who were approved, emphasizing that football unites the world.
Infantino also reiterated the tournament's safety, stating there were "zero incidents, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness." However, Fifa is investigating Argentina's actions following altercations with Spain's players after the World Cup final, as well as allegations of racist abuse towards influencer IShowSpeed. Supporters were arrested at several matches, including after England's semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta.
Controversy also surrounded the presence of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials at stadiums, and the suspension of USA forward Folarin Balogun's ban following intervention by US President Donald Trump. Uefa criticized this decision, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable," and the Norwegian Football Federation is considering a formal complaint to Fifa's ethics committee. Infantino defended the decision, arguing that similar rulings are common in major leagues worldwide.
The International Olympic Committee has declined to investigate Infantino for potential breaches of political neutrality, noting that the complaint from human rights group FairSquare falls outside its jurisdiction. Infantino advised his opponents to "show some love" and "respect" for a tournament that brought people together as "families, as fans, as one."
Infantino expressed pride in contributing to the event, urging critics to reflect and appreciate the unity and emotions fostered by the beautiful game. "Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning," he concluded.