FIFA chief lashes out at critics 'consumed by hate' in response to World Cup complaints

FIFA President Gianni Infantino pushed back at critics of the 2026 World Cup in a long social media post accusing them of being too "consumed by hate and criticism" to enjoy the tournament.

The statement ran about 900 words across a 15-slide post on Infantino's Instagram account and was published on FIFA's website as well, coming a little over a week after Spain beat Argentina in the final on July 19.

In the post, the FIFA chief addressed criticism that built through the tournament over U.S. entry restrictions and visa refusals that affected fans and officials from several participating nations. He also responded to the outcry over FIFA's decision to suspend a one-match ban for U.S. forward Folarin Balogun after U.S. President Donald Trump said he had raised the case with Infantino directly.

"To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception and the joy," 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."

The sharpest passage was aimed at reporters.

"To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard and delivering the best show in the world," he wrote.

His defense rested on scale. The tournament consisted of 104 matches across 16 cities in Canada, Mexico and the United States.

"We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 percent safety and security, only joy and happiness!" Infantino wrote. "Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity and togetherness. All were safe, secure and happy."

Balogun was sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina and was set to automatically miss the following match against Belgium. Trump publicly said that he asked Infantino to review the decision, and FIFA halted the ban, prompting UEFA, the Belgian federation and European lawmakers to accuse the governing body of bending to political pressure.

In his post, the FIFA chief never specifically mentioned the incident, but he took on the complaints behind it.

"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 wrote.

"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 countries employing these practices are the ones criticizing."

The post softened at the end, and Infantino wrote that FIFA "couldn't be more proud or emotional" at what had unfolded over the summer.

"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," Infantino wrote. "Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans."

"May football rise above all hate," he wrote. He signed off: "Much love to all."

BY JUNG SI-NAE [cho.yongjun1@joongang.co.kr]