FIFA President Gianni Infantino accuses critics of 'spreading hatred' in bizarre online rant

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FT Desk

Gianni Infantino has taken to social media to address some of the criticisms FIFA has received about the 2026 World Cup.

The FIFA President has had to contend with a number of controversies surrounding the tournament, such as the price of match tickets, his relationship with Donald Trump when FIFA is supposed to be politically neutral, the treatment of the Iran squad due to the ongoing war with the United States, hydration breaks, the Folarin Balogun saga and pre-tournament concerns about potential violence involving ICE agents on the streets in North America.

His friendship with Trump and the decision by FIFA to rescind Balogun's suspension so he could play for the USMNT against Belgium are the two factors which have courted the most controversy. In fact, it has led to a potential investigation by the European Parliament, while the Norwegian FA is planning to make an official complaint to FIFA's Ethics Committee about Infantino's conduct with the Trump administration, including awarding him the FIFA 'Peace Prize'.

On Sunday, he posted a lengthy rant on Instagram, accusing his doubters of spreading hate, while turning off the comments so no one could respond.

"To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy," he began.

"To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness.

"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

"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.

"While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone's safety.

"While you divide, we unite."

"People came together as families, as fans, as one."

Before the tournament started, there were concerns from some, including human rights groups, that travelling fans may be at risk of violence due to Trump's continued distribution of Immigration and Customs agents throughout the country. The killings of US citizens Renée Nicole Good and Alex Pretti by ICE agents in January only heightened these concerns.

But, Infantino has celebrated the lack of violence.

"We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!" he continued.

"Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness.

"All were safe, secure, and happy.

"Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness."

If you were to watch the game in the United Kingdom, you would have noticed a preoccupation of the cameramen with spotting celebrities in the crowd during matches. There was also the inclusion of athletes like Tom Brady at the World Cup draw in December and, of course, the much-maligned half-time show at the World Cup final.

Tom Cruise also gave a passionate pre-match speech on the pitch, before the final began.

Infantino celebrated their inclusion.

"Virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us," the FIFA President explained.

"They were joyful and happy.

"All of this was made possible thanks to the governments of the three host countries and their tremendous contributions, thanks to FIFA and its fantastic team working for you, thanks to the host countries and all their people, the police forces and their incredible commitment, and the volunteers - oh, the volunteers, those amazing people who came from all around the world to be part of the greatest event on earth.

"Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe."

He then returned to the haters and then specifically mentioned Iran's conflict with the US and gave FIFA a pat on the back for bringing the two nations together, even though Iran were forced to relocate their home base to Mexico during the tournament. The team were only given 24-hour visas to get in the US for matches and many of their backroom staff did not receive visas to enter North America at all.

"While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate," Infantino accused.

"Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.

"While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.

"Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.

"When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli.

"It's not about politics.

"Football is about unity, not division."

A large number of hopeful travelling supporters were denied visas to head to the tournament, while one Somalian referee, who was scheduled to officiate some of the games, was also denied entry.

Infantino says try and focus on those who were let in.

"Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas," he continued.

"Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.

"You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world.

"Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.

"Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.

"Or when football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to set aside your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played with their hearts, that competed hard, the countries that contributed, the fans who travelled, and the children from everywhere who want to dream big.

"Maybe it's time to show some love."

He then alluded to the Balogun situation, and even though a red card being overturned has never happened in the history of the World Cup when suspensions have been implemented, he shrugged any criticism off by saying that such rulings happen all the time in domestic leagues.

When asked previously about the decision to rescind the red card, Infantino said it wasn't his decision, but rather that of an independent disciplinary panel.

"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," he said.

"It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.

"We saw teams from small nations compete proudly in the most prestigious matches.

"They were confident, professional, and brought pride to their countries.

"Most importantly, they gave hope; hope that anyone can be part of the world, be big in the game, regardless of where they come from.

"We are all equal: fans, players, and just human beings."

He then, again, returned to his haters, wishing peace upon them before finally giving himself some praise for the success of the tournament.

"This FIFA World Cup celebrated humanity at its best," he concluded.

"At FIFA, we couldn't be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy, and unity.

"To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions.

"Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.

"To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't.

"May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate.

"Finally, I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling!

"Much love to all."

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FT Desk

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