Infantino tells FIFA critics to 'meditate, pray or watch football'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted a 15-slide message on his personal Instagram account, which was also shared with FIFA's eight million followers, addressing critics of his leadership, the organization, and the World Cup. He urged them to 'meditate, pray or watch a football match' instead of 'spreading hate and false rumours.' Infantino emphasized that while critics were 'busy planting seeds of hate,' FIFA was delivering the 'greatest event on earth.'

He claimed the 2026 World Cup had '100% safety and security, only joy and happiness' and downplayed visa controversies, stating that 'millions were approved' and only 'a few people were denied visas.' Infantino highlighted Iran's participation as a success, saying FIFA 'worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.'

However, Iran's head coach Amir Ghalenoei had previously described his team as the 'most oppressed' at the tournament, citing visa delays, denied entry for staff, and logistical issues. Fans from Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast also faced travel bans under the Trump administration. Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry despite holding a diplomatic passport.

Despite Infantino's assertion of 'zero incidents, zero violence,' FIFA is investigating Argentina players for altercations with Spain's players after losing the final, as well as allegations of racist abuse towards American influencer IShowSpeed. Several fans were arrested at matches.

Infantino also defended the decision to suspend Folarin Balogun's one-match ban after US President Donald Trump's intervention, calling it 'routine and widely accepted,' though UEFA labeled it 'unprecedented' and the Norwegian Football Federation considered a formal complaint. Infantino noted that 'the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.'

The International Olympic Committee declined to investigate Infantino for potential breaches of political neutrality. In his closing remarks, Infantino urged opponents to 'show some love' and 'respect' a tournament where 'people came together as families, as fans, as one.'