FIFA President Gianni Infantino has strongly defended the World Cup and accused its critics of being 'consumed by hate' and spreading 'false rumors.' In a lengthy statement posted on his Instagram account and on FIFA's website late Sunday, Infantino said FIFA had succeeded in bringing people together through the tournament.
'While you divide, we unite,' Infantino wrote, brushing aside concerns about corruption and disciplinary rulings that have marred the event. He criticized those who focused on negative aspects instead of celebrating the tournament's achievements.
The statement, which ran 900 words and spanned 15 pages on Instagram, was a response to ongoing criticism of the World Cup's host nation and organizational issues. Infantino did not address specific allegations but insisted that FIFA had staged a successful tournament that fostered unity.
Infantino's remarks come as the World Cup nears its conclusion, with the final match set to take place next weekend. The FIFA president has faced mounting pressure from human rights groups and media outlets over the tournament's environmental and social impact, but he remains defiant in his defense of the event.
This is not the first time Infantino has clashed with critics. Earlier in the tournament, he dismissed concerns about worker welfare and corruption as 'hypocritical.' His latest statement reiterates his stance that FIFA's focus is on football and bringing the world together.