Gianni Infantino Slams Critics; Alleges That They Are “Spreading Hate and False Rumors”
The build-up to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States was dominated by concerns about sky-high costs, geopolitical tensions, the shadow of violence, and the possibility of terrible summer heat.
XtraTime Newsdesk: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reacted to World Cup critics, alleging they are "spreading hate and false rumours" and that the event brought "only joy and happiness". In a lengthy open letter released on Monday, Infantino asked naysayers to "take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray" following a tournament marred by scandals ranging from ticket price to visa concerns.
"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," Infantino wrote in a post shared on his Instagram account and FIFA's official channels. "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. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!" said the President
The build-up to the World Cup in Canada, Mexico, and the United States was dominated by concerns about sky-high costs, geopolitical tensions, the shadow of violence, and the possibility of terrible summer heat.
Iran's engagement in the context of a conflict with the United States, as well as worries over Haiti's domestic turmoil and the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo, heightened scrutiny of visa and travel restrictions.
Somali referee Omar Artan became probably the most visible victim of President Donald Trump's harsh immigration crackdown when he was refused admission into the United States.
But, Infantino rubbished all of that and continued to say that this edition was a great one: "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 to enter because football is about peace. It's not about politics. Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Infantino added. You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world."
His comments contrasted dramatically with those of Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei, who said his squad had been the "most oppressed" at the World Cup. Star striker Mehdi Taremi described his team's treatment during the tournament as a "disaster".
Infantino also addressed criticism of World Cup officiating when it was revealed that Trump personally requested that the FIFA president review a one-match suspension imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to face Belgium in the round of 16.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, was among many who criticised the Balogun issue, calling it "unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable" and claiming it "crossed a red line".
"Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues," said Infantino addressing his critics.
"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.
"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising."