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"Spreading hate": FIFA boss posts 880-word World Cup rant
SEN • July 28th, 2026 11:26 am
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has issued an 880-word statement congratulating himself on the World Cup and slamming his critics that are looking to “spread hate”.
A week after Spain beat Argentina in the final, the 56-year-old shared some reflections on the 48-nation tournament which was co-hosted by the USA, Canada and Mexico.
Despite the controversies in the lead-up to the tournament, the eye-watering ticket prices, the treatment of Iran, players and referees having immigrations issues not to mention the Folarin Balogun red card-Donald trump saga, a defiant Infantino hailed an “incident free” tournament.
“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 wrote in a 15-page Instagram post.
“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent safety and security, only joy and happiness!
“While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.
“Maybe it’s time to show some love.
“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.
“It’s curious that the same counties employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
Just weeks out from the World Cup, it was announced by the USA that the Iranian team would be allowed to play on USA soil but not stay forcing the team into a last minute change to have their base in Mexico.
Every match day the team had to fly in early, get through immigration before preparing to play and then leave the country late at night.
Addressing the Iran situation specifically, Infantino added: “While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.
“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.
“It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.”
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