A week after Spain's victory against Argentina in the World Cup final, Gianni Infantino published a lengthy Instagram post responding to the numerous criticisms leveled at FIFA during the tournament. In a 15-page post, the president of the international governing body accused his detractors of having preferred to spread hate and misinformation rather than enjoy the tournament.
Infantino is addressing those who may have "missed" the World Cup
Gianni Infantino begins his message by directly addressing all those who, in his opinion, failed to appreciate the emotions brought about by the competition. He mentions the celebrations, the laughter, the tears, and the families gathered in stadiums or in front of their televisions.
“I’m sorry you were so consumed by hatred and criticism that you missed everything,” the Swiss official said. He then targeted the journalists, commentators, and internet users who had denounced FIFA’s decisions during the tournament. “While you were behind your screens spreading hatred and false rumors, we were on the front lines organizing and delivering the best show in the world,” he continued.
Seven million spectators and no incidents according to the FIFA boss
To defend the organization of the competition held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Gianni Infantino highlighted the figures released by FIFA. He stated that seven million spectators from over 200 countries attended the matches held in sixteen cities. The FIFA president also asserted that the tournament took place without violence or serious incidents. He emphasized the safety of the fans, the work of the security forces, and the commitment of the volunteers mobilized in the three host countries. According to him, the criticism overshadowed the images of fans celebrating together in the streets and stadiums. "While you were dividing, we were uniting," he wrote, before affirming that the World Cup produced only joy, emotion, and unity.
The controversies over visas swept aside
Gianni Infantino addressed the criticism at length regarding entry restrictions to the United States. Several fans, officials, and delegation members had encountered difficulties obtaining visas. Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan, in particular, was prevented from entering the US despite holding a valid visa. The president acknowledged that some individuals did not receive the necessary authorization but argued that these cases were used to mask the much larger number of visas granted. He cited Iran's participation, at a time when relations between Tehran and Washington were particularly strained. "The Iranian team entered the United States without incident or conflict. They received visas because football is about peace, not politics ," he stated. Infantino also mentioned Haiti and the Democratic Republic of Congo to defend the competition's unifying role. According to him, the presence of countries affected by political, security, or health crises offered pride and hope to millions of people.
He defends FIFA's controversial decisions
The FIFA president also responded to criticism regarding several refereeing and disciplinary decisions. One of the main controversies involved American striker Folarin Balogun, who was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina in the round of 32. The player was automatically suspended for the round of 16 match against Belgium. His suspension was ultimately lifted after a call from Donald Trump to Gianni Infantino, sparking numerous accusations of favoritism and political interference. Without directly naming Balogun, Infantino believes that questionable cards and decisions allowing certain players to escape suspension are common in major leagues. "It is curious that the same countries that use these practices are the ones that criticize them ," he wrote. The FIFA president also addressed the refereeing controversies that arose during the match between Argentina and Egypt, while refusing to acknowledge any special treatment given to certain teams.
A direct attack against the media and its opponents
Throughout his message, Gianni Infantino contrasted FIFA's work with the criticisms leveled by journalists, politicians, and football pundits. He accused his opponents of seeking controversy rather than watching the matches and the fans.
“Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning,” he wrote. He then invited those who continued to criticize the international body to take a step back. “Take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match ,” advised the FIFA president, asking his opponents to observe the faces and emotions of the crowd.
Gianni Infantino claims "the most exceptional World Cup"
The FIFA president concluded his message by stating that FIFA had found peace by organizing what he described as the most successful World Cup in history. He asserted that football had once again demonstrated its ability to transcend borders, conflicts, and political divisions. Gianni Infantino said he was personally proud to have participated in organizing the competition. "I am incredibly proud, as FIFA president, to have contributed, even in a small way, to this spectacle. It's a fantastic feeling ," he concluded, before sending "much love to everyone . "
Far from calming the controversies, the FIFA president has chosen an offensive response. He wholeheartedly defends the organization of the 2026 World Cup and accuses his detractors of having deliberately ignored the competition's popular success in order to focus their attention on visas, refereeing, disciplinary sanctions, and his relationship with Donald Trump.
