FIFA’s Infantino issues letter, accuses World Cup critics of spreading hate

Key Points:

• FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the 2026 World Cup, accusing critics of spreading hate and false narratives, and emphasized the tournament's success in promoting happiness, unity, safety, and togetherness across the US, Canada, and Mexico.
• Infantino highlighted the smooth organization of the event, citing no violence or security incidents, while addressing controversies such as visa restrictions, logistical challenges faced by teams like Iran, and disputed refereeing decisions.
• He argued that many criticized refereeing and disciplinary decisions are common in global competitions and pointed out the participation of countries facing political and health crises as proof of football's unifying power beyond politics.
• Infantino’s letter came amid ongoing investigations into an on-pitch altercation in the final, scrutiny over FIFA’s disciplinary decisions, and complaints about his political neutrality related to support for former US President Donald Trump.
• The FIFA president urged critics to acknowledge the millions of fans and teams who participated peacefully, contrasting his stance with comments from Iran’s coach, who described his team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament.