World Cup critics 'consumed by hate', FIFA's Gianni Infantino says

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said critics of the World Cup were "consumed by hate", accusing them of spreading "false rumours" and obsessing over "strange disciplinary rulings".

In an extraordinary and lengthy statement published on his own and FIFA's Instagram accounts on Monday, Mr Infantino said they "were so consumed by hate and criticism" that they missed all the "joy and happiness" the tournament brought.

In the post, which appeared to be aimed at journalists, he contrasted "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours", with his organisation, which delivered "the best show in the world".

The tournament, hosted jointly by the US, Canada and Mexico, was the largest ever, featuring 48 teams and lasting more than five weeks, but was mired in controversy.

Mr Infantino and FIFA were widely criticised for suspending US striker Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban after intervention from US President Donald Trump, while US visa restrictions affected supporters and officials from several competing nations, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast, along with Somali tournament referee Omar Artan, who was refused entry.

Questions were raised over the cost of tickets, while others were unhappy about the introduction of hydration breaks to cope with the intense heat some matches were played in, claiming it meant games were played over four quarters, rather than two halves.

Infantino defended the handling of visas, writing: "You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world."

He also appeared to respond to criticism of the reversal of Balogun's automatic one-match ban after the US striker was sent off against Bosnia-Herzegovina.

Mr Trump later revealed he had spoken to the FIFA chief about Balogun's case before FIFA confirmed the striker would be eligible to face Belgium in the last 16 tie.

FIFA maintained its independent disciplinary committee made the decision, but the ruling prompted accusations of political interference from UEFA, the Belgian Football Association and European lawmakers.

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Without referring to the incident directly, Infantino wrote that "'arguable' referees' decisions or "'strange' disciplinary rulings" were "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," he said.

FIFA's president emphasised how safe the tournament proved to be, despite fears beforehand over fan safety, pointing out that while fans celebrated, critics were "planting seeds of hate".

He even took credit for Iran taking part in matches in the US, claiming FIFA had "worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war".

(c) Sky News 2026: World Cup critics 'consumed by hate', FIFA's Gianni Infantino says