FIFA President Gianni Infantino has fiercely defended the recent World Cup, accusing his critics of disseminating falsehoods and hostility. In a written statement released on Monday, he asserted that the tournament provided a platform for joy rather than the negativity portrayed by the media.
Infantino addressed those who challenged the tournament’s logistics, visa procedures, and ticket costs. He suggested that such individuals should focus on reflection rather than judgment. He emphasized that while critics remained behind screens, his team focused on hosting a safe and successful event, claiming a total absence of violence or major incidents.
The tournament faced several obstacles during the planning phases in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, including concerns regarding heat, geopolitical instability, and specific visa denials for individuals like referee Omar Artan. Despite these challenges, Infantino insisted that FIFA successfully facilitated the participation of teams like Iran, arguing that the organization prioritizes peace over political divides.
Infantino’s narrative stood in direct opposition to comments from Iranian personnel, including coach Amir Ghalenoei and player Mehdi Taremi, who described their experience at the tournament as exceptionally difficult. Furthermore, the FIFA president defended the organization against accusations of undue interference, specifically regarding the reversal of a suspension for US player Folarin Balogun. He characterized the criticism from UEFA and others regarding this decision as hypocritical, noting that controversial disciplinary rulings are standard practice within major global football leagues.
