‘You were busy sowing seeds of hate’: FIFA backs Trump-Balogun decision, hits back at World Cup critics

A week after the FIFA World Cup final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament and criticized what he described as negative coverage, accusing some critics of “spreading hatred and false rumours”.In a 900-word statement published in a 15-page post on his Instagram account and FIFA’s website late Sunday, Infantino said FIFA had succeeded in hosting the World Cup and brought people together.He praised FIFA for “putting on the best show in the world” and said the tournament brought “joy and togetherness”.“I’m sorry you were so consumed by the hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote, addressing his comments “to those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens, who spread hate and false rumors.”FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup over several issues, including Iranian team officials, a Somali referee and some fans being denied entry to the United States, allegations of political influence by US President Donald Trump in allowing Folarin Balogun to avoid suspension after receiving a red card, high ticket prices and commercial breaks introduced in the middle of each half of all 104 matches.“Every city was filled with fans from all over the world,” Infantino wrote. “While they celebrated, you were busy sowing the seeds of hatred.”“While you’re hiding, we’re exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States, talking to fans, interacting with people, and keeping everyone safe.”On Iran-US relationsIran’s participation in matches held in the United States was one of the main concerns before the tournament. The Iranian team eventually moved its training camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico before the competition.“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino wrote. “While you are spreading hate, we have been working tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”Some supporters were unable to enter the United States, including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, a well-known Congolese supporter who attended one game in Mexico after being denied a US visa.“You mentioned the few people who were denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino wrote. “Countries facing serious health or other problems have been given visas.Defense of Balogun’s decisionInfantino also responded to criticism for his handling of the red card of American striker Folarin Balogun.He said “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.”FIFA did not overturn Balogun’s red card, which occasionally happens in domestic competitions. Instead, it suspended his one-game suspension for probation. FIFA has not yet released the disciplinary judge’s written decision.At the end of his statement, Infantino urged critics to focus on football instead of criticism.