‘You’re too busy planting seeds of hatred’: FIFA backs Trump-Balogun decision, hits back at World Cup critics | Football News

A week after FIFA World Cup Finally, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament and criticized what he described as negative coverage, accusing some critics of “spreading hatred and false rumors.”“In a 900-word statement published in a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on the FIFA website on Sunday, Infantino said that FIFA has succeeded in holding the World Cup and bringing people together.He praised FIFA for “delivering the best show in the world” and said the tournament brought “joy and togetherness.”“I’m sorry you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote, directing his comments to “those behind their pens and paper, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup over several issues, including Iranian team officials, a Somali referee and some fans being denied entry to the United States, allegations of political influence by the US President Donald Trump to allow Folarin Balogun to avoid suspension after receiving a red card, high ticket prices and commercial breaks were introduced in the middle of each half of all 104 matches.“Every city is filled with fans from all over the world,” Infantino wrote. “While they are celebrating, you are busy planting seeds of hatred.”“While you were hiding, we were exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking to fans, interacting with people, and ensuring everyone’s safety.”On the relationship between Iran and the USIran’s participation in the games held in the United States was one of the major issues before the tournament. The Iranian team finally moved their training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico before the competition.“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino wrote. “While you are spreading hate, we are working tirelessly to unite the two nations at war.”Other supporters were unable to enter the United States, including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the well-known Congolese supporter, who attended a game in Mexico after being denied a US visa.“You mention some people who are denied visas and ignore the millions who have been approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino wrote. “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges are granted visas.”Defense of Balogun’s decisionInfantino also addressed criticism over the handling of US forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.He said that “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are the norm.”FIFA did not cancel Balogun’s red card, which sometimes happens in local competitions. Instead, it deferred his one-game suspension during the probationary period. FIFA has not yet released the disciplinary judge’s written decision.At the end of his statement, Infantino urged critics to focus on football instead of criticism.