The Telegraph: Infantino lashes out at critics, deemed unfit to head FIFA

According to The Daily Telegraph, Infantino's lengthy response to critics has drawn criticism from human rights organizations.

In a bizarrely worded long post on social media, the world football official accused critics of "spreading hatred" and downplayed the controversies surrounding this World Cup.

Gianni Infantino has been criticized as unfit to manage world football after angrily lashing out at critics for "spreading hatred."

Human rights activists immediately responded strongly to the FIFA president's lengthy, accusatory rebuke released overnight.

In a lengthy statement, Infantino said that those who “hate” football governing bodies should “meditate, pray, or watch a football match.”

This World Cup has been shrouded in controversy, including unprecedented profiteering from ticket prices and the suspension of American striker Balogun after being lobbied by Donald Trump.

But a week after the event, Infantino posted a 15-page article on social media. He claimed that critics "missed out on all the joy and unity" and said they had been "spreading hatred and false rumors."

Human rights organization FairSquare had previously filed a formal complaint with the International Olympic Committee regarding Infantino's conduct during the Games. The organization stated that this statement demonstrates the extent to which Infantino has become "out of touch" with the reality of his unpopularity.

Nicholas McGeehan, director and co-founder of FairSquare, told The Daily Telegraph's sports department: "Infantino's scathing rebuke further highlights that he is not suited to managing world football. He is protected by echo chambers within the organization and is out of touch with the reality of his unpopularity outside the organization."

Pressure on Gianni Infantino continues to mount after a Democratic lawmaker demanded he appear before the House Judiciary Committee for a recorded interview regarding the full extent of his relationship with Trump. Congressman Jamie Raskin, a senior member of the committee, has also requested FIFA to provide a complete record of his contacts with Trump, the Trump administration, and the Trump Organization family businesses.

FIFA has been renting office space in Trump Tower since last year. According to The Athletic, Raskin requested Infantino to submit "a list of any items of value, including money transfers, gifts, prizes, awards, or public appearances, that were given to President Trump, members of his administration, members of his family, or any entities associated with them, such as the Trump Organization."

The Daily Telegraph's sports department has broken down Infantino's lengthy statement in its entirety.

Infantino said: "To all those who missed our beautiful game, emotions, celebrations, laughter, tears, disappointment and joy. To all those who missed the children, babies, grandparents and parents coming together for this beautiful sport, I want to say that I regret that the game is now over, and I regret that you missed all the joy and unity. I regret that you were consumed by hatred and criticism, and missed everything."

Was he right? Never before has a World Cup faced so much controversy before and during the tournament. Many people "missed" the games because ticket prices were too high to attend. Fan boycotts were announced due to unprecedented profiteering at ticket prices, with stadium seats for the final reaching as high as $1 million.

Others chose to boycott the tournament. Previously, after lobbying by US President Trump, the "suspended suspension" of American striker Balogun sparked global outrage, with Gianni Infantino threatened with possible sanctions and asked to resign. Some absentees did not choose to boycott the event themselves, as US travel restrictions affected fans and officials from several participating countries, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal, and Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, Somali referee Omar Altan was denied entry at the start of the tournament.

Infantino said: "To those who hide behind pen and paper, behind screens spreading hatred and false rumors, I want to say that while you sit behind the scenes, we at FIFA are on the front lines organizing, working hard, and presenting the best performances in the world. While you hide, we are on the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking to fans, interacting with people, and ensuring everyone's safety. While you create division, we foster unity. People come together as families, fans, and one whole. We have not experienced violence, no incidents, 100% safety, only joy and happiness!"

Was he right? Infantino may be correct in saying troublemakers were kept out, but the tournament cannot claim to be entirely without security flaws. In Mexico City, four people died during celebrations after Mexico's 2-0 victory over Ecuador, their first World Cup knockout stage win since 1986; three died of asphyxiation. Oliver Brown of The Daily Telegraph's sports department also witnessed a gang shooting near fans in downtown Boston after Germany's penalty shootout defeat to Paraguay. Infantino's claim of "when you create division, we foster unity" is also hardly convincing to those denied visa access to the United States.

Infantino said, "Seven million people from more than 200 countries enjoyed the event in 16 excellent cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, only joy, emotion, happiness, unity and gathering. Everyone was safe, secure and happy."

"Billions of people around the world are watching the FIFA World Cup from home, sharing their love of football with friends and family, and sharing moments of joy, emotion, happiness, unity, and togetherness."

“Almost every global celebrity from the music, film, entertainment, and sports world was there to enjoy the event and spend time with the fans and us. They were happy and excited.”

Was he right? The final was indeed star-studded, with Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber, and Madonna among those who participated in segments or attended the match. However, due to the excessive number of celebrities crammed into the chaotic halftime show, FIFA broke the rules of the game, forcing Argentina and Spain to wait nearly 27 minutes before starting the second half.

Infantino said, “While you spread hatred, we tirelessly strive to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team started playing, all the shouts against them turned into a song. The fans became the country, became the team, and stood behind the Iranian national team. That is the power of football. The Iranian team was granted entry visas because football is about peace. It has nothing to do with politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is above hatred and discrimination.”

Was he right? Infantino delivered on his promise to ensure Iran's participation in the World Cup, but the Iranian team's journey was far from smooth. Although all matches were played in the United States, the Iranian team had to stay in Mexico, on the other side of the border. The Iranian Football Federation was also furious about a senior U.S. official celebrating their elimination from the World Cup, accusing their co-hosts of peddling "lies." Iranian coach Galenoue also stated in his first press conference that his team was the "most oppressed" team in the tournament.

Infantino said: “Countries facing serious health problems or other challenges have been granted visas. Their teams compete, their fans cheer, giving hope to millions of people in their countries and allowing them to feel joy and pride, even if only for a fleeting moment. You mention the few who were denied visas, but you ignore the millions who were granted visas from all over the world. This summer has impressively demonstrated that football unites the world.”

Was he right? Iranian national team captain Taremi called the tournament a "disaster" due to visa and movement restrictions imposed on members of his football association. Meanwhile, Somali referee Altan was questioned for 11 hours by U.S. immigration authorities at Miami International Airport after his diplomatic passport and single-entry visa were denied. A U.S. government official stated that Altan was denied entry because he was alleged to have "links to suspected terrorist organizations." Altan said border officials questioned him about his ties to the Somali militant group al-Shabaab, to which he told them he knew nothing about the organization.

Infantino said: "It's understandable that you're unhappy with a few decisions made by the governing bodies, but please look at the public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues. In fact, 'controversial' refereeing decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings, such as potentially wrong red or yellow cards, or subsequently, in some cases, decisions to suspend players, are routine and widely accepted in some of the world's biggest leagues. Interestingly, it's precisely the countries that are criticizing these practices that are adopting them."

Was he right? No other country or governing body has suspended any football suspensions following Trump's political interference. The US president has repeatedly confirmed that he called Infantino to complain about Balogun's red card and request a review of the case. Subsequently, FIFA's disciplinary committee suspended the punishment, thus qualifying Balogun to play against Belgium. The committee has not yet explained its decision, which has sparked widespread accusations of political interference in the World Cup.

Gianni Infantino said: “This FIFA World Cup has showcased the best of humanity. We have seen teams from small countries proudly participating in the most prestigious competition. They are confident, professional, and proud of their countries. Most importantly, they have brought hope; hope that anyone can be a part of the world and can be important in this sport, no matter where they come from. We are all equal: fans, players, and just human beings. FIFA is incredibly proud and excited to witness these moments of love, joy, and unity.”

"To those who spend time and energy hating us, please take some time to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football game and really observe those faces, eyes, and emotions."

Is he right? This emphasis on smaller nations reaching the biggest stage could be interpreted as another signal: the World Cup may expand from 48 to 64 teams by 2030. Two weeks ago, Gianni Infantino confirmed that the prospect of adding 16 more teams to the World Cup "will be studied and discussed." CONMEBOL President and FIFA Vice President Alejandro Dominguez hinted that expansion is a done deal. La Liga President Javier Tebas, however, stated that further expansion is "meaningless."

Infantino said: “Because only our beautiful sport can present such an extraordinary performance, a performance that unites everyone and reconnects us as human beings. To the pen and paper, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where those behind you cannot find it. May you find peace; we at FIFA have found our own peace and are passing it on by presenting the best FIFA World Cup. May football transcend all hatred. Finally, as FIFA President, I am incredibly proud of myself for having contributed even a little to this performance. It’s a wonderful feeling! Love to everyone.”

Is he right? Criticism of Infantino may ultimately be futile, as he seems certain of a fourth term at the FIFA Congress in March.