FIFA's Infantino lashes out at critics he says spread 'hate and false rumors' about World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sharply criticized those he claims are spreading "hate and false rumors" about the World Cup. Infantino stated that he and the organization have become targets for unfair criticism, suggesting a deliberate campaign against them.

During the recent World Cup, FIFA and Infantino faced scrutiny over several issues. These included reports of Iranian team officials and fans being denied entry to the United States. Allegations of political interference by U.S. President Donald Trump surfaced regarding a player avoiding a ban for a red card. Furthermore, unprecedentedly high ticket prices and the mid-half commercial breaks in all 104 games drew criticism.

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We are being attacked, we are being criticized, we are being accused, and we are being told that we are spreading false rumors and hate.

Infantino's remarks appear to be a defense against these ongoing critiques. He is pushing back against what he perceives as a biased narrative surrounding the tournament's organization and management. The FIFA president is asserting that the organization has been unfairly targeted by negative press and public opinion.

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I am being attacked as president of FIFA. I am being attacked personally. I am being attacked as a person. I am being attacked as president of FIFA. I am being attacked as a person.