Infantino hits out at World Cup critics: ‘You were busy planting seeds of hate’ | OneFootball

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has hit out at the critics of the 2026 World Cup, accusing people of “spreading hate and false rumours”.

Infantino issued a long message defending FIFA’s handling of the World Cup amid criticism over issues such as visas and Folarin Balogun’s red card ban being suspended.

“To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception and the joy. To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents and parents come together for the beautiful game… sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.

“While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate. Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.

“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.

“Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.

“I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It’s a great feeling.”