Fifa President Gianni Infantino has responded to criticism surrounding his leadership and the 2026 World Cup by encouraging detractors to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" rather than spreading negativity.
In a detailed Instagram post shared with Fifa's millions of followers, Infantino addressed those he described as "busy planting seeds of hate," asserting that the tournament celebrated "humanity at its best" with "100% safety and security, only joy and happiness."
Controversies and Challenges
Infantino downplayed several high-profile issues during the tournament, highlighting the participation of Iran despite ongoing tensions with co-host the United States. He praised Fifa's efforts to facilitate Iran's entry without incident, calling it a success in uniting two countries at odds.
However, Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei painted a contrasting picture, describing his team as the "most oppressed" due to visa delays, staff exclusions, ticket revocations, and logistical hurdles including a forced change of training base and restricted movements during matches.
Other teams and officials also faced travel difficulties linked to US visa policies, affecting fans from Haiti, Senegal, Ivory Coast, and the Somali referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry despite valid documentation.
Safety and Officiating Under Scrutiny
Infantino emphasized the tournament's peaceful atmosphere, citing "zero incidents, zero violence," though investigations are ongoing into altercations involving Argentina's team, racist abuse allegations, and multiple supporter arrests.
The presence of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement officials at stadiums also sparked controversy.
Infantino addressed concerns over refereeing decisions, notably the suspension of USA forward Folarin Balogun's one-match ban following intervention by then-US President Donald Trump. While UEFA condemned the decision as "unprecedented and unjustifiable," Infantino defended it as consistent with practices in major leagues worldwide.
Call for Unity and Respect
Rejecting calls for further scrutiny, including from the International Olympic Committee, Infantino urged critics to show "love" and "respect" for a tournament that brought people together across generations.
He lamented that some missed the emotional and unifying aspects of the World Cup due to their focus on criticism, stating, "Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning."
Infantino concluded by expressing pride in his role as Fifa President and the tournament's ability to unite humanity through the beautiful game.
