'Sorry you were so consumed by hate' - Gianni Infantino blasts FIFA critics after 'most outstanding' World Cup
Infantino fires back at critics
In the wake of a tournament that was as much defined by its
"To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness," Infantino wrote in his scathing address. "Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.
"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."
Addressing the visa controversies and safety
The tournament was marred by significant travel hurdles, with supporters and officials from nations such as
"You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world," Infantino added. "Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer."
Defending the Balogun political storm
Perhaps the most controversial moment of the tournament involved US striker Folarin Balogun, whose automatic one-match ban following a red card against Bosnia-Herzegovina was sensationally overturned. The decision came shortly
Without directly mentioning the incident, the president noted: "'Arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings such as for instance 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.
"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising." Despite these justifications, the
A call for meditation and footballing peace
As he looked toward the future of the game, Infantino urged his vocal opponents to change their perspective and embrace the emotional power of football. He concluded his lengthy manifesto by framing FIFA as a provider of peace and telling his detractors to seek spiritual or emotional clarity.
"To 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," Infantino said
"May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate. Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling! Much love to all."
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