Soccer
Gianni Infantino hits back at FIFA critics and shares pride of 2026 World Cup
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino has spoken of his 'joy and pride' over the 2026 FIFA World Cup and sent a clear message in response to the criticism aimed at FIFA during this summer's tournament.
In a statement on FIFA's channel as well as a 15-slide Instagram post, Infantino pressed home the success of the finals and hit back at "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens" who were "busy planting seeds of hate" in the direction of football's governing body.
The Swiss head honcho boasted of a tournament where fans enjoyed a memorable tournament, with togetherness throughout the three host countries of the USA, Mexico and Canada.
"While you divide, we unite," he said when addressing those who questioned FIFA.
"People came together as families, as fans, as one.
"We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!
"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.
"Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup™ from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness."
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Infantino also addressed some of the controversies around the tournament, declaring that FIFA 'worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war', as Iran played on US soil and how it helped bring Haiti to the world.
He didn't shy away from some of the high-profile decisions made by FIFA either, even throwing back their calls on those detractors by stating FIFA aren't the only body who have made the same kind of outcomes.
Adding, "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.
"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 criticising."
The statement finished with a final message from the 56-year-old to those who have aimed questions at his organisation, to which he doubled down and said, "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."
Before signing off by once again declaring his pride and the small part he played in delivering a successful World Cup competition.
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