Gianni Infantino has addressed the 'haters' in a bizarre statement after a World Cup that was marked by political interference, exorbitant ticket pricing, and a leaked letter to Argentina.
Infantino's statement
The FIFA president slammed critics of the organisation on social media, writing: "My message for all those who… To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy. 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."
He added: "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." Infantino claimed seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 cities with zero incidents.
Argentina letter controversy
Infantino came under scrutiny after a letter congratulating Argentina on their World Cup campaign emerged, despite the nation remaining under investigation for post-match scenes following the final defeat to Spain. The letter, leaked by Argentine media, was sent to Argentine FA president Claudio Tapia. Infantino wrote: "The magnificent performance of the Albiceleste also contributed decisively to making this edition an exceptional event that captivated millions of football enthusiasts around the world."
The mention of Argentina's "professionalism" attracted attention given the team's behaviour during the tournament.
Calls to resign
La Liga president Javier Tebas heavily criticised Infantino, telling Italy's La Gazzetta dello Sport: "Increasing the number of national teams makes no sense. The football industry is not just the World Cup. Not everything can revolve around the World Cup." Tebas added: "They [FIFA] are destroying the football industry… They don't realise they are making irresponsible decisions." He said Infantino should resign, stating: "He has the support of the system, of the federations. There is no opposition candidate, nobody wants to stand just to lose. It is a system rotten at its core."
Infantino's predecessor Sepp Blatter also called for change, saying: "The longest World Cup has come to an end with the right champions. But on the way to the final whistle, the tournament lost its credibility. Politics must not be allowed to overshadow the game."
World Cup controversies
FIFA failed to act when a respected referee was denied entry to the US. Key Iranian national team staff were denied entry visas, and the team was forced to relocate its base camp to Mexico on short notice. Outrage came after USA striker Folarin Balogun had a one-match ban suspended by the FIFA disciplinary committee after a phone call from Donald Trump to Infantino, allowing him to play against Belgium.
Despite these issues, Infantino is set to be re-elected for a fourth term as FIFA's president in March, potentially standing unopposed for the third time in a row.
