Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, has taken to his Instagram to slam critics for what he calls a campaign of hate and false rumours. He urged them to meditate, pray or simply watch a football match instead of harassing the federation and the upcoming 2026 World Cup.
The 15‑slide post was reposted on the organisation’s eight‑million‑strong profile and reads like a personal pledge to a worldwide audience. Infantino dismisses commentators as "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens" and confirms that Fifa is “delivering the greatest event on earth.”
He proudly highlights that the 2026 tournament was “100% safety and security” with “only joy and happiness.” The president has repeatedly championed the legal, logistical, and security measures that the location‑host countries introduced for teams, staff and fans.
The most controversial part of his captionates the case of Iran’s team, which faced visa delays for staff and restrictions on the allocation of tickets. Infantino claims FIFA “worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war” and that its arrival in the United States happened “without incident or conflict.” The statement contrasts sharply with Iranian coach Amir Ghalenoei’s remarks that the team was the “most oppressed” at the event.
He points out that other teams – including those from Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast – also encountered travel bans, and that Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry to the United States because of alleged links to terror organisations. Infantino argues that the number of visa‑denied cases is trivial compared to the millions approved, and that the sport itself is “the only thing that can unite the world.”
When clubs raised concerns that US President Donald Trump influenced the decision to lift the suspension on Folarin Balogun, Infantino was quick to refute claims of political interference on the pitch. He insisted that the sanction removed was routine, widely accepted in big leagues, and that the nation criticised for it is the very one making the call.
The president also addressed safety issues, describing the tournament as “zero incidents, zero violence”. While acknowledging that Fifa has investigated incidents involving Argentina, Spain and allegations of racist abuse, Infantino stresses that the entire event was a showcase of unity and joy.
In his final appeal he urged detractors to “show love” and “respect” and reminded the world that the 2026 World Cup brings families, grandparents and children together in celebration. He concluded with a admonition: “If you’re busy planting seeds of hate, take a moment to meditate, pray or watch a football match.”
