Infantino hits back as scrutiny closes in after World Cup

Gianni Infantino has hit back at critics of his leadership, accusing them of spreading hatred and false rumours after a World Cup marked by disputes over political influence, disciplinary governance and FIFA’s relationship with Donald Trump.The FIFA president published a 15-slide statement across his personal and FIFA’s Instagram accounts, giving his defence a combined potential audience of almost 14 million followers.Infantino wrote: “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.”The intervention represented Infantino’s most extensive public response to criticism surrounding the tournament, after he did not hold a press conference during the World Cup or following its conclusion.He claimed the competition delivered “100% safety and security” and said those attending had been safe and happy.Four people died from suffocation during celebrations in Mexico City following the host nation’s last-32 victory over Ecuador. Infantino had previously expressed his condolences after the incident.His statement also defended FIFA’s handling of travel restrictions affecting supporters and officials from Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast.Infantino argued that critics had focused on the relatively small number of people refused entry while overlooking the millions who were permitted to travel.Iran captain Mehdi Taremi described the country’s tournament experience as a “disaster” because of restrictions on visas and movement involving members of its delegation.FIFA also faced criticism after Somali referee Omar Artan was prevented from entering the United States shortly before the tournament.Infantino appeared to address the controversy surrounding United States forward Folarin Balogun by arguing that disputed disciplinary decisions were common in leading domestic leagues.Balogun received an automatic one-match suspension after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but the sanction was deferred after Trump contacted Infantino and requested that the case be reviewed.The decision allowed Balogun to face Belgium in the last 16. FIFA maintained that its disciplinary committee acted independently under the applicable regulations.Infantino wrote: “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.“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."While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate. Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning. 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. I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling."The ruling triggered criticism from UEFA, the Belgian football federation, European lawmakers and Norway’s football authorities.The Norwegian Football Federation intends to submit a formal complaint over Trump’s role in the case, adding to an earlier ethics complaint relating to FIFA’s decision to award the US president its peace prize.Infantino has faced further scrutiny following the emergence of a letter sent to Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia after Argentina’s defeat by Spain in the World Cup final.The message praised Argentina’s performance, professionalism and contribution to the tournament despite a final that ended with Enzo Fernández being sent off and an on-field confrontation involving players and staff.Infantino wrote: “I would like to reiterate my most sincere congratulations for this important new result for Argentine football.“The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world.”FIFA is investigating the confrontation that followed the final, while Argentina had already attracted attention during the tournament over player conduct and political messaging.The tone of Infantino’s letter has raised further questions about his relationship with senior federation leaders and the consistency of FIFA’s public response when teams are subject to disciplinary proceedings.The IOC has separately declined to investigate Infantino after human rights organisation FairSquare alleged that his conduct breached political neutrality requirements.Infantino has been an IOC member since 2020, but its ethics commission concluded that the complaint concerned his management of FIFA rather than his relationship with the Olympic body.The IOC said: “The current complaint, with regard to the FIFA president, refers only to the international federation’s decisions on its governance and its management, including its relations with government, and to the international federation’s implementation of the rules of its sport, which are both outside the scope of application of the IOC code of ethics.”The decision leaves any formal examination of Infantino’s conduct within FIFA’s internal ethics structures, despite his position across both organisations.