One week after a thrilling final to conclude the largest and most-watched World Cup in history, FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a blistering attack on critics he says were "consumed by hate" during the 39-day tournament.
"To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours," Infantino wrote in a 15-panel Instagram post that was shared by his personal account and FIFA's. "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 highlighted the contributions of the three host nations − Canada, Mexico and the United States − and praised the fans and organizers for "zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness."
However, he failed to acknowledge the one major incident in Mexico City in which four people died of asphyxiation as fans took to the streets following the nation's win over Eduador in the round of 32.
Infantino went on to accuse journalists and columnists of "planting seeds of hate" in their reporting of more controversial issues during the World Cup, from problems with visas to FIFA's disciplinary decisions − even though much of the media coverage was largely positive.
And Infantino defended perhaps the most controversial decision of the entire tournament, the reversal of U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's one-match suspension for his red card vs. Bosnia Herzegovina, which came after President Donald Trump personally asked Infantino to review it.
Without referring directly to Trump or Balogun's situation, Infantino responded that "'arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings" are "routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide."
In conclusion, Infantino fired a parting shot at critics: "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," he wrote.
"To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't."
Source: USA Today
