FIFA chief Infantino accuses the media of ‘spreading hatred’ and wildly hails the success of the 2026 World Cup.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has launched an attack on the media for “spreading hatred and false rumours” and highlighted the success of the 2026 World Cup.

Infantino criticized those “behind their pens and papers, behind their screens” and praised his organization for “delivering the most outstanding World Cup”.

The World Cup came to an end last weekend when Spain beat Argentina 1-0 in the final which was marred by the bad behavior of the South American players in New Jersey.

It was a disappointing end to a tournament that has been marred by many controversies, from Iran’s growing restrictions on the United States to the decision to suspend the red card given to American striker Folarin Balogun following Donald Trump’s intervention.

In a statement on FIFA’s website, Infantino wrote: “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 the children, babies, grandparents and parents come together in this beautiful game, I’m sorry that the games are now over and I’m sorry that you missed all the joy and the hate you have. You missed it all.”

“To those who are behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting in the back, we at FIFA are at the forefront planning, working hard, and presenting the best show in the world.

“When you separate, we come together. Every city was filled with fans from all over the world. While they were celebrating, you were busy sowing seeds of hatred.”

Infantino says that FIFA has united Iran with the USA

Iran crashed out of the group stage and, subsequently, complained of being “pressured” following a US decision that meant they could fly into the country from their training ground in Mexico the day before the match and leave immediately afterwards.

The United States has been bombing Iran for several months and Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin was happy when it failed to reach the 32nd stage.

At the time he said: “I was very happy when we were able to get them their visas and say they can leave US soil, and I could sing a song or two or maybe do a happy dance.”

In Iran, Infantino said: “While you [the media] we spread hatred, we worked hard to unite the two countries in the war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian band started playing, all the songs they sang became one song. The fans became a country, they became a team, and they stood behind Team Melli. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received entry visas because football speaks of peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hatred and discrimination.”

Infantino accuses critics of hypocrisy about Balogun

Infantino also sought to defend the fiasco surrounding Balogun, who remains the only player in the tournament to have his red card suspended by FIFA’s disciplinary committee. Trump later admitted that he called Infantino and asked for the case to be reviewed so that the player could face Belgium in the round of 16.

Trump, who was awarded the first FIFA Peace Prize last December, won and Balogun played in the United States’ 4-1 loss to the Red Devils.

The Norwegian Football Federation will file a formal complaint over the matter but Infantino says it was a normal process.

He said: “Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to the public records: such decisions are common in some very important leagues.

“Indeed, ‘contradictory’ referee decisions or ‘unusual’ disciplinary decisions such as potentially erroneous red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions to disqualify players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in other major leagues around the world.

“It is interesting that the same countries that use these practices are the ones who criticize them.”

FIFA has found peace – Infantino

There were also allegations that Lionel Messi’s Argentina were given many favorable decisions as they were looking to retain the title they won in Qatar in 2022.

Infantino did not move and presented another piece of media separation, adding: “To those who spend their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to think, meditate, pray, or watch a football match and really look at the faces, the eyes, the emotions.

“Because only our good game can bring an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as people.

“On pens and papers, on every screen, may you find love and peace where the people behind you cannot.

“May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we are bringing it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hatred.”