FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the organisation’s handling of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of spreading “hate and false rumours” while insisting the tournament was a success despite several controversies before and during the competition.
In a lengthy open letter published on Monday, Infantino responded to criticism surrounding issues such as ticket prices, visa restrictions, officiating decisions and security, urging critics to reflect before judging the tournament.
“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.
“To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens, spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world.”
He added that the tournament was held without major security incidents.
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” he said.
The 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States and Mexico, faced criticism over high ticket prices, visa challenges, geopolitical tensions and concerns about extreme weather. Iran’s participation during tensions with the United States, Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also raised concerns over travel restrictions.
Infantino, however, defended FIFA’s approach, saying football should unite people regardless of politics.
“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas because football is about peace. It’s not about politics,” he said.
He also dismissed criticism over visa denials, arguing that attention had been placed on a few rejected applications while millions of visitors were successfully granted entry.
Infantino further addressed criticism over refereeing and disciplinary decisions, including the controversy surrounding US striker Folarin Balogun, whose one-match suspension was lifted after US President Donald Trump reportedly asked FIFA to review the decision.
Responding to the backlash, Infantino said controversial officiating and disciplinary rulings are common across many of the world’s top football leagues.
“Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable… such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues,” he said.
His comments came despite complaints from some participants, including Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who described his team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament, while striker Mehdi Taremi reportedly called their experience a “disaster.”
Source: AFP.
