Fifa president addresses World Cup criticism, cites unity and safety
Fifa president Gianni Infantino has responded to critics of the recent World Cup, accusing them of spreading negativity and false narratives. Infantino defended the tournament, which was won by Spain and held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, highlighting its role in fostering unity, safety, and inclusion.
In a public statement, Infantino suggested that detractors were overly focused on criticism, missing the widespread joy and togetherness experienced by millions of fans globally. He asserted that Fifa was actively working to deliver a premier event, stating, “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.”
Infantino’s comments were shared through a 15-slide post on his personal Instagram account, which was subsequently reposted to Fifa’s official account. He encouraged critics to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” instead of disseminating what he termed “hate and false rumours” about his leadership, the governing body, and the World Cup.
Addressing tournament controversies
The World Cup faced various criticisms, including issues related to US visa restrictions that impacted supporters and officials from several nations. Concerns were also raised regarding teams from conflict-affected regions. Infantino’s statement followed scrutiny over Fifa’s decision to suspend an automatic one-match ban for US striker Folarin Balogun, a decision that followed intervention from Donald Trump.
Officiating decisions, particularly in Argentina’s last-16 match against Egypt, also drew criticism, notably from Egypt’s manager, Hossam Hassan. Infantino addressed these concerns, stating that decisions regarding red or yellow cards, or subsequent choices not to ban players, are routine in major leagues worldwide. He noted it was “curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.”
The Norwegian Football Federation is reportedly considering filing a formal complaint to Fifa’s ethics committee regarding the decision involving Balogun, which Uefa described as “unprecedented, incomprehensible, and unjustifiable.”
The International Olympic Committee has indicated it will not investigate Infantino concerning potential breaches of political neutrality. This decision came after a complaint from the human rights group FairSquare was deemed outside the jurisdiction of its ethics commission.
Travel restrictions also affected participants, with Somali referee Omar Artan reportedly barred from entering the US despite holding a valid visa. The Iran team and staff also encountered significant travel restrictions imposed by the US government. Infantino acknowledged that some individuals were denied visas but highlighted the millions who were approved from various parts of the world.
Despite Infantino’s claims of a peaceful entry, Iran’s head coach, Amir Ghalenoei, described his team as the “most oppressed” at the tournament. The Iranian team experienced visa delays, with some “integral” backroom staff members denied entry to the US. Their initial training base had to be relocated from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico, due to logistical challenges, and they later faced movement restrictions while traveling between their training base and group matches in Los Angeles and Seattle.
Call for unity and reflection
Infantino reiterated that the World Cup “celebrated humanity at its best” and delivered “100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.” He urged those who spread negativity to instead “show some love” and “respect” for a tournament that brought people together.
He expressed pride in Fifa’s contribution to what he described as an “extraordinary show,” where people can reconnect as humans. Infantino concluded by suggesting that critics reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match to observe the emotions and unity it fosters.
However, Fifa is currently investigating altercations involving Argentina’s players and backroom staff with Spain’s players after the World Cup final. Additionally, allegations of racist abuse towards social media influencer IShowSpeed are under investigation, and supporters were arrested at multiple matches, including after England’s semi-final against Argentina in Atlanta. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officials were also present at World Cup stadiums.
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Source: theguardian.com
