Gianni Infantino issues damning letter back to 'haters' after 2026 World Cup controversies
FIFA boss Gianni Infantino has said he hopes his haters 'find peace' in a lengthy letter addressed to those who criticised the 2026 World Cup.
The 56-year-old Swiss official shared a sensational 15-page post on Instagram on Sunday (26 July) in response to the widespread condemnation of this year's international football tournament.
He addressed some of the most controversial moments - including 'arguable referees' decisions' and 'strange disciplinary rulings' - while insisting it was the 'most outstanding FIFA World Cup' that the globe has ever seen.
Infantino feverishly defended FIFA in the face of criticism after a controversy-filled World Cup, while lambasting people for 'spreading hate and false rumours' instead of enjoying the beautiful game.
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There were numerous points of contention throughout the tournament before Spain reigned victorious on 19 July, which took a lot of attention away from what was unfolding on the pitch.
Although it's meant to stay far away from football, politics played a huge part, while favouritism rows erupted and fisticuffs between players overshadowed some of the World Cup's biggest moments.
Arsenal legend and pundit Ian Wright previously described it as a ‘World Cup of Chaos’, while other respected sporting figures have shared similar characterisations.
One of the most talked about moments was when FIFA spectacularly reversed its decision on suspending USA striker Folarin Balogun after he received a red card.
This came after Infantino had a phone call with President Donald Trump, who later explained that he had asked the FIFA chief to 'review' the situation.
The Norwegian Football Federation has since promised to submit a formal complaint over this unprecedented interference, while human rights group FairSquare also since submitted a complaint.
Other major sticking points include Somalian referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the US, the treatment of Iranian players and the extraordinary ticket prices seen at the 2026 World Cup.
But in Infantino's eyes, those who spent the last few weeks being 'consumed by hate and criticism' missed out on the 'joy and togetherness' that he says was a central part of this year's tournament.
In his lengthy letter shared to social media, he referenced the word 'hate' or 'hatred' at least seven times.
'While you divide, we unite'
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 kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness.
"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.
"To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world. While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone's safety. While you divide, we unite."
He said there was 'zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness'.
Heaping praise on the host nations - Canada, Mexico and the United States - he thanked them for their 'tremendous contributions', before praising fans from around the globe for packing out stadiums during matches.
"While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate," Infantino went on. "Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning. While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song.
"The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli. It's not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.
"Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas."
Infantino said that critics only 'mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world'.
FIFA boss says controversial rulings during games 'are routine'
The statement then continued: "Indeed, 'arguable' referees' decisions or 'strange' disciplinary rulings such as for instance potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide. It's curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising. This FIFA World Cup celebrated humanity at its best."
Infantino said FIFA 'couldn't be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy, and unity'.
"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," he wrote.
"Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.
"To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't. May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. "May football rise above all hate. Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling! Much love to all."
Topics: Football, World Cup, World News, Sport, Viral
Olivia Burke