GENEVA (AP) 鈥� One week after the final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attacked perceived critics for 鈥渟preading hate and false rumors鈥� about the tournament.
Infantino praised FIFA for 鈥渄elivering the best show in the world鈥� and spoke of the World Cup bringing 鈥渏oy and togetherness,鈥� in a 900-word statement published across a account and on
鈥淪orry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,鈥� the FIFA leader wrote, addressing his comments to 鈥渢hose behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.鈥�
FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup for , a and to the United States; alleged political influence by avoid a ban for a red card; unprecedented and midway through each half of all 104 games.
鈥淓very city was packed with fans from all around the globe,鈥� Infantino wrote. 鈥淲hile they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.鈥�
鈥淲hile you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone鈥檚 safety.鈥�
Testy media relations
Infantino has an increasingly during the 11th year of his presidency. His in Mexico City was his first with a full gathering of international media since March 2023.
The previous such news conference in Rwanda, after his from FIFA member federations, saw Infantino ask his audience: 鈥淲hy are you so mean?鈥�
In Mexico City last month, Infantino suggested critics should 鈥渃hill, relax.鈥�
FIFA uniting the U.S. and Iran
Iran鈥檚 ability to play at least three games in the U.S. was a key pretournament issue, and the squad made a late instead of Tucson, Arizona.
鈥淚ran entered the United States without incident or conflict,鈥� Infantino noted in his statement. 鈥淲hile you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.鈥�
Fans denied visas to enter the U.S. included Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the celebrated statue supporter of Congo which was dealing with an Ebola virus outbreak. He attended .
鈥淵ou mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,鈥� Infantino wrote. 鈥淐ountries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.鈥�
Infantino defends Balogun decision
On fallout from the red card for U.S. forward Balogun, Infantino claimed 鈥渟ubsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.鈥�
FIFA did not overturn Balogun鈥檚 red card, which does occur in domestic club competitions, but instead took the more unusual step of deferring the one-game ban for a probationary period. FIFA has yet to publish the written verdict of its disciplinary judge.
鈥淭o those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions,鈥� Infantino wrote.
He signed off his statement: 鈥淢uch love to all.鈥�
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