Gianni Infantino has told FIFA's critics to 'take a moment to reflect, meditate or pray' in a rambling open letter that attempts to gloss over the problems surrounding the World Cup.
The FIFA president attended 44 matches in 39 days by private jet, but his letter addresses issues such as the denied visa for Somali referee Omar Artan, Iran's difficulties entering the United States, Donald Trump's interference in the disciplinary process for US striker Folarin Balogun, and Argentina's Falkland Islands banner. It also mentions inflated ticket prices and hydration breaks.
Infantino's defense of the World Cup
In the 886-word letter published on Instagram and FIFA's website, Infantino says those 'so consumed by hate and criticism' missed the unity of families at 'the best show in the world.' He writes there was 'zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness' and that 'virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended.'
Visa and disciplinary controversies
Infantino attempts to whitewash issues, claiming 'Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict' and that 'countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.' He adds: 'You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved.' On Balogun's red card overturn, he writes: 'Such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues... It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.'
He concludes: 'To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't. May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate.'
