Infantino fires back at World Cup critics, says FIFA delivered ‘Only Joy and Happiness’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the recently concluded FIFA World Cup, accusing critics of spreading “hate and false rumours” and insisting that the tournament was a success that brought “only joy and happiness.”

In an open letter published on Monday and shared on his Instagram account as well as FIFA’s official platforms, Infantino urged those who criticised the tournament to reflect on what he described as its achievements rather than focusing on negative narratives.

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.

Addressing journalists and critics, he added, “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.”

According to the FIFA president, the tournament passed without any major security concerns.

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” he stated.

The tournament, jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the United States, was overshadowed before kickoff by concerns over high ticket prices, visa restrictions, geopolitical tensions and fears that extreme summer temperatures could affect players and supporters.

Iran’s participation during ongoing tensions with the United States, alongside concerns surrounding Haiti’s domestic crisis and the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, also generated debate over travel and immigration policies.

One of the most prominent visa-related controversies involved Somali referee Omar Artan, who was reportedly denied entry into the United States under President Donald Trump’s immigration policies.

Despite the criticism, Infantino defended FIFA’s handling of the situation, insisting the organisation worked to ensure football remained a unifying force.

“While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” he said.

“The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics.”

He further noted that countries facing health emergencies and other challenges were still able to participate.

“Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas,” he said.

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

However, Infantino’s remarks contrast with comments made by Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, who described his team as the “most oppressed” side at the tournament. Iranian striker Mehdi Taremi also labelled the team’s experience a “disaster.”

The FIFA president also responded to criticism surrounding officiating and disciplinary decisions after reports emerged that President Donald Trump personally requested a review of the one-match suspension imposed on United States striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to feature in the Round of 16 clash against Belgium.

The decision attracted criticism from UEFA, which described the development as “unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,” arguing that it had “crossed a red line.”

Defending FIFA’s disciplinary process, Infantino maintained that controversial officiating decisions are common across major football competitions.

“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,” he said.

“Indeed, arguable referees’ decisions or strange disciplinary rulings, such as 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.”