GIANNI INFANTINO has congratulated himself on an “incident-free” World Cup and accused his critics of “spreading hate”.
The Fifa president, 56, reflected on this summer‘s tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico in a lengthy 15-slide Instagram post.
Gianni Infantino called this summer’s World Cup “the best show in the World” Credit: Getty
The Fifa boss has drawn criticism for his close relationship with US president Donald Trump Credit: Getty
In it, he called out the hypocrisy of those who kicked up a fuss after Folarin Balogun‘s one-match ban was suspended following a phone call from Donald Trump, celebrated the way the Iranian national team was treated, and defended the visa drama that left an African referee out in the cold.
A defiant 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.”
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He added: “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent safety and security, only joy and happiness!
“While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.”
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Most would consider it a World Cup packed with controversy.
Balogun’s suspended ban was front and centre of the drama, sparking strong criticism from European governing body Uefa, the threat of legal action from the Belgian FA, and a formal complaint from Norwegian football chiefs.
But Infantino said: “Maybe it’s time to show some love.
“Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as for instance potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.
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USA striker Folarin Balogun’s one-match ban was suspended by Fifa Credit: Reuters
Iran were knocked out of the World Cup in the group stages Credit: AP
Referee Omar Artan was barred from entering the USA Credit: EPA
“It’s curious that the same counties employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
The Fifa boss also celebrated the safe passage of the Iranian team into American territory amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
That is despite the fact Iran were only allowed to fly into the States the day before their first two group games, and four of their staff members were initially denied visas.
He continued: “While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.
“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.
“It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.”
Infantino also brushed off the visa issues that affected some fans and barred Somali referee Omar Artan from travelling to the tournament.
He said: “You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world.”
