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The Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, has hit back at critics of the World Cup, accusing them of spreading hate and false narratives while defending the tournament as a success that celebrated unity, safety and inclusion.
In an open letter published on Monday, Infantino said detractors had overlooked the joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans around the world who witnessed the tournament, won by Spain and staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico. “You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” said the 56-year-old. “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. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
Fifa faced criticism over a number of issues during the World Cup, including debate over US visa restrictions affecting supporters and officials from several countries and concerns involving teams from conflict-hit regions. Infantino’s letter also followed scrutiny of Fifa’s suspension of an automatic one-match ban imposed on US striker Folarin Balogun following the intervention of Donald Trump. Officiating decisions in Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt also received criticism, most strongly from the Egypt manager, Hossam Hassan.
“Potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” Infantino insisted in his letter. “It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.“
Somali referee, Omar Abdulkadir Artan, was barred from entering the US despite having a valid visa while Iran’s national team were subject to difficult travel restrictions imposed on them by the US government and as a consequence of the ongoing war between the two countries.
“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics,” insisted Infantino. “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.”
Infantino’s letter is likely to lead to further criticism and ridicule of the man who on the eve of the previous World Cup in Qatar declared: “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arabic. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel a migrant worker.”
