FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Sunday “hit out at critics for ‘spreading hate’ at this summer’s World Cup,” disregarding the criticism as “‘hate and false rumours’ in an extraordinary essay posted on Instagram.” 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.” Infantino said that the tournament experienced “no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!” Infantino also “thanked the three host countries, the police forces and volunteers for their efforts during the tournament, before addressing some of the tournament’s major controversies and claiming them as wins” for FIFA (London INDEPENDENT, 7/27).
Infantino also “appeared to reference” the “furore” around USMNT F Folarin Balogun’s suspended red card. Without referring to the incident directly, Infantino wrote that “‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings” were “routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.” He added, “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising” (London TELEGRAPH, 7/27).
Infantino also “pointed to the participation of countries facing political tensions, domestic crisis and domestic health challenges as evidence of football’s ability to transcend divisions.” While Iran’s participation “came against the backdrop of conflict with the U.S.,” issues surrounding “Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo also drew attention to visa and travel restrictions.” Somali World Cup referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was “barred from entering the U.S. despite having a valid visa.” Infantino wrote, “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” (REUTERS, 7/27).
