Fifa president Gianni Infantino accuses critics of spreading hate at World Cup

<ul><li><p>Infantino claims critics of World Cup ‘missed it all’ </p></li><li><p>He again defends Balogun affair and treatment of Iran</p></li></ul><p>The Fifa president, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/gianni-infantino">Gianni Infantino</a>, has hit back at critics of the World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the tournament ⁠as a success that celebrated ⁠unity, safety and inclusion.</p><p>In ​an open letter published on Monday, Infantino said detractors had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans around the world who witnessed the tournament, ⁠won by Spain and staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. “You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” said the 56-year-old. “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. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/jul/27/gianni-infantino-hits-out-fifa-critics-hate-open-letter-world-cup">Continue reading...</a>