FIFA President Infantino lashes out at critics, calls them 'haters' and defends World Cup success

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has launched a robust defense against critics, accusing them of "spreading hate and false rumors" and urging them to "meditate, pray or watch a football match" instead of focusing their energy on negativity towards the organization. Infantino's remarks come in response to scrutiny surrounding his leadership and FIFA's operations, particularly following the recent World Cup held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

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Seven million people from 200 countries enjoyed the tournament in 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility and zero violence. Only joy, emotions, happiness, unity and reunion. Everything was safe and happy.

Infantino pointed to the World Cup as a prime example of FIFA's successful event management, stating that the tournament involved "seven million people from 200 countries" enjoying the event across 16 cities with "zero incidents, zero hostility and zero violence." He described the atmosphere as one of "joy, emotions, happiness, unity and reunion," emphasizing the safety and positive experience of attendees. He expressed sadness for those who missed the competition due to their critical stance.

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To those who, after their pens and papers, after their screens, spread hate and false rumors, I want to tell them that, while you stay behind, we, at FIFA, are on the front line organizing, working hard and offering the best show in the world. While you divide, we unite.

"While you stay behind, we, at FIFA, are on the front line organizing, working hard and offering the best show in the world. While you divide, we unite," Infantino declared in a social media post. He specifically mentioned the Iranian team's entry into the United States without incident, despite geopolitical tensions, as an example of football's unifying power. He argued that "the world needs love, not hate: tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning," and that football is "bigger than hate and discrimination."

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The world needs love, not hate: tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.

Infantino also addressed criticisms regarding refereeing decisions, referencing "potentially erroneous red or yellow cards" and subsequent decisions not to sanction players. He noted the irony that some of the countries criticizing these practices are those that employ similar ones in their own leagues. He concluded by asserting that FIFA is focused on progress and unity, contrasting it with the divisive rhetoric he claims some critics employ.

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Potentially erroneous red or yellow cards, or subsequent decisions not to sanction players in certain situations, are common and widely accepted in some of the world's biggest leagues. It is curious that the same countries that employ these practices are the ones criticizing them.