A week later FIFA World Cup Ultimately, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament and criticized what he called negative coverage, accusing some detractors of “spreading hatred and false rumours.”“In a 900-word statement published in a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on the FIFA website late Sunday, Infantino said that FIFA had succeeded in staging the World Cup and bringing people together.He praised FIFA for “providing the best show in the world” and said the tournament had brought “joy and unity”.“I’m sorry you’re so consumed by hate and criticism that you’ve missed everything,” Infantino wrote, addressing his comments to “those who are behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup over several issues, including Iranian team officials, a Somali referee and some fans being denied entry to the United States, allegations of political influence by the US president. Donald Trump in allowing Folarin Balogun to avoid a suspension after receiving a red card, high ticket prices and commercial breaks introduced in the middle of each half of all 104 matches.“Every city was filled with fans from all over the globe,” Infantino wrote. “While they were celebrating, you were busy planting the seeds of hatred.”“While you’re hiding, we’re exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking to fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone’s safety.”On relations with Iran and the United StatesThe participation of Iran in the matches held in the United States was one of the major problems before the tournament. The Iranian team eventually moved its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico before the competition.“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino wrote. “While hatred spreads, we work tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”Some supporters were unable to enter the US, including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the famous Congo supporter, who attended a match in Mexico after being denied a US visa.“You mentioned the few people who were denied visas and neglected the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” wrote Infantino. “Countries facing serious health problems or other challenges have been granted visas.”He defends the Balogun decisionInfantino also responded to criticism over the handling of American forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.He said “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.”FIFA did not overturn Balogun’s red card, which sometimes happens in domestic competitions. Instead, he deferred his one-game suspension for a trial period. FIFA has not yet published the disciplinary judge’s written decision.Ending his statement, Infantino urged critics to focus on football instead of criticism.
