FIFA's Infantino lashes out at critics he says spread 'hate and false rumors' about World Cup

By — Graham Dunbar, Associated Press Graham Dunbar, Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/world/fifas-infantino-lashes-out-at-critics-he-says-spread-hate-and-false-rumors-about-world-cup Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter FIFA's Infantino lashes out at critics he says spread 'hate and false rumors' about World Cup World Jul 27, 2026 7:35 PM EDT GENEVA (AP) — One week after the World Cup final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attacked perceived critics for "spreading hate and false rumors" about the tournament. Infantino praised FIFA for "delivering the best show in the world" and spoke of the World Cup bringing "joy and togetherness," in a 900-word statement published across a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on FIFA's website late Sunday. "Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," the FIFA leader wrote, addressing his comments to "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors." READ MORE: FIFA's Infantino targeted by complaint to Olympic ethics body after Trump lobbying on Balogun ban FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup for Iran team officials, a Somali referee and fans being denied entry to the United States; alleged political influence by U.S. President Donald Trump in letting Folarin Balogun avoid a ban for a red card; unprecedented high ticket prices and commercialized breaks in play midway through each half of all 104 games. "Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe," Infantino wrote. "While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate." "While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone's safety." Testy media relations Infantino has an increasingly testy relationship with media during the 11th year of his presidency. His eve-of-tournament news conference in Mexico City was his first with a full gathering of international media since March 2023. The previous such news conference in Rwanda, after his reelection by acclaim from FIFA member federations, saw Infantino ask his audience: "Why are you so mean?" READ MORE: FIFA's Infantino defends World Cup ticket prices, says fans 'should chill' about ref denied US entry In Mexico City last month, Infantino suggested critics should "chill, relax." And he's coming under scrutiny from some in the U.S. Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent Infantino a letter on Sunday seeking documents detailing ties between FIFA and the Trump administration. A representative for FIFA didn't immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter. FIFA uniting the U.S. and Iran Iran's ability to play at least three games in the U.S. was a key pretournament issue, and the squad made a late switch to a training camp in Tijuana, Mexico in