FIFA President Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of the FIFA World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the tournament as a success that celebrated unity, safety, and inclusion.
In an open letter published on Monday, Infantino, 56, said detractors had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans around the world who witnessed the tournament, won by Spain and staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico.
“You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he said.
“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.
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”
FIFA faced criticism over several issues during the tournament, including debate over U.S. visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several countries and concerns involving teams from conflict-hit regions.
Infantino’s letter also followed scrutiny of FIFA’s handling of the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case, the decision to suspend the automatic one-match ban imposed on him after his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, following the intervention of U.S. President Donald Trump.
