World Cup: Gianni Infantino accuses critics of spreading hate

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sharply criticized those who have voiced concerns about the recent World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate. In a lengthy message shared across FIFA's platforms and his personal social media, Infantino claimed that while critics sat behind their screens spreading negativity, FIFA was actively working to unite the world.

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I am sorry that you missed out on all of this, because hate took over you.

Infantino's statement comes after a tournament marked by numerous controversies, including travel issues for fans and officials from several nations, and allegations of preferential treatment for major teams. He specifically mentioned Iran's team facing difficulties entering the U.S., with 15 team officials being denied entry, forcing them to base themselves in Mexico and make short trips for matches. The team's captain, Mehdi Taremi, described the situation as a "catastrophe."

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To those who sit behind their screens spreading hate and lies: meanwhile, FIFA worked hard and delivered the best show in the world. While you were divided, we united.

The FIFA president also addressed criticisms regarding refereeing decisions, which he deemed "customary and widely accepted" in major leagues. He pointed to the case of U.S. forward Folarin Balogun's suspension, which was controversially overturned after an alleged intervention from Donald Trump, a move that has drawn a complaint from the Norwegian Football Federation to FIFA's ethics committee.

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This is a catastrophe.

Despite these issues, Infantino declared the World Cup a success, calling it the "best show in the world" and "100 percent safe and full of joy." However, the New York Times noted that he failed to mention four deaths that occurred in Mexico during the tournament.

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Controversial refereeing decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings are customary and widely accepted in the world's biggest leagues.