ZURICH, Switzerland: FIFA President Gianni Infantino told World Cup critics on July 26 to “reflect, meditate, pray or watch a football match,” accusing them of spreading hate and false rumours.
The FIFA statement defended the governing body’s handling of the tournament in the United States, Canada and Mexico. FIFA also shared the message through its social media channels.
Infantino cited nearly seven million spectators across 16 host cities. He claimed the competition experienced “no violence” and “no incidents,” while thanking the three host governments, police forces and volunteers.
He also defended FIFA’s response to US travel restrictions. Infantino said critics had concentrated on a small number of visa denials while overlooking the millions of approved visitors.
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Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was unable to enter the United States despite holding a valid visa, Reuters reported. Iran also moved its training base to Tijuana after staff members encountered entry restrictions.
Infantino indirectly addressed FIFA’s treatment of United States striker Folarin Balogun. FIFA placed Balogun’s automatic one-match suspension under a one-year probationary period after President Donald Trump intervened in the case.
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Infantino argued that comparable disciplinary decisions routinely occurred in major leagues. However, UEFA said the ruling crossed a regulatory red line and called it unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable. The statement followed Spain’s 1-0 extra-time victory over Argentina in the July 19 World Cup final.
