FIFA President Gianni Infantino wants critics to chill out and maybe "meditate, pray or watch a football match" instead of bashing his leadership and the World Cup. He shared this advice on Instagram with FIFA’s eight million followers, taking aim at the naysayers.
Infantino insists critics are busy "planting seeds of hate" while FIFA focuses on delivering the "greatest event on earth." He calls World Cup a celebration of humanity,promising the 2026 tournament will offer "100% safety and security,only joy and happiness."
His upbeat tone clashes with Iran's coach,Amir Ghalenoei, who says his team is the "most oppressed" at the World Cup. Infantino claimed Iran’s participation was a win,crediting FIFA's efforts to get the team into the U.S. despite tensions .
But the Iranian squad faced big hurdles. Visa delays,staff barred from the U.S.,tickets revoked,and a last-minute move from Tucson to Tijuana due to logistics. Not smooth sailing.
Infantino acknowledged the visa mess but noted millions still attended, saying,"Because football unites the world, and it was impressively demonstrated this summer." He praised the tournament's safety, noting "zero incidents,zero violence,just joy, emotions, happiness,unity, and togetherness." Yet FIFA’s probing incidents involving Argentina's players post-final and racist abuse claims against influencer IShowSpeed.
Officiating standards also under fire. Infantino defended lifting a suspension on USA's Folarin Balogun after ex-President Donald Trump intervened. UEFA slammed this as crossing "red line," calling it "unprecedented,incomprehensible,and unjustifiable." Norway's Football Federation may file a complaint with FIFA's ethics committee.
Despite backlash,Infantino says lifting suspensions is routine in major leagues . "It's curious that same countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing." Meanwhile,the IOC won’t probe Infantino for political neutrality breaches, dismissing a complaint by FairSquare as outside its scope .
In his Instagram post,Infantino urged love and respect for the tournament,celebrating unity it brings. He lamented for those missing out on World Cup joy,"To all of you who missed watching kids, babies,grandparents and parents come together for the beautiful game... sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all."
He wrapped up with call for reflection,urging critics to observe the emotions football stirs. "Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show,a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans," he wrote. Infantino takes pride in his FIFA role, saying,"It's a great feeling" to be part of such a global event.
