‘You are busy sowing seeds of hatred’: FIFA backs Trump-Balogon decision, hits back at World Cup critics Football News

one week later fifa world cup During the final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament and criticized what he said was negative coverage, accusing some critics of “spreading hatred and false rumours”.“issued a 900-word statement in his 15-page post Instagram Infantino said on FIFA’s account and website on Sunday night that FIFA had successfully hosted the World Cup and brought people together.He praised FIFA for “putting on the best show in the world” and said the World Cup had brought “joy and unity”.“I’m sorry you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote, his comments directed at “those behind pen and paper, behind screens, spreading hate and false rumors.”FIFA and Infantino have been criticized for a number of issues during the World Cup, including Iranian team officials, Somali referees and some fans being denied entry to the United States, and allegations of political influence by the U.S. president Donald Trump To allow Folarin Balogun to avoid suspension after receiving a red card, ticket prices were high and commercial breaks were introduced midway through each half of all 104 matches.“Every city is packed with fans from all over the world,” Infantino wrote. “While they celebrate, you are busy sowing seeds of hatred.”“While you’re holed up, we’re exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States, talking to fans, interacting with people, and keeping everyone safe.”On the relationship between Iran and the United StatesIran’s participation in the tournament in the United States has been one of the main issues ahead of this World Cup. Iran ended up moving training camp from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico before the game.“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino wrote. “While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”Some supporters were unable to enter the United States, including prominent Congolese supporter Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, who traveled to Mexico to watch a game after being denied a U.S. visa.“You mentioned a small number of people who were denied visas while ignoring the millions of people from around the world who were granted visas,” Infantino wrote. “Visas were granted to countries facing serious health issues or other challenges.”Defend Balogun’s decisionInfantino also responded to criticism over the handling of USA forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.He said “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain circumstances are routine.”FIFA did not cancel Balogun’s red card, which happens from time to time in domestic competitions. Instead, it postponed his one-game suspension for a probationary period. FIFA has yet to publish the disciplinary judge’s written decision.Infantino ended his statement by urging critics to focus on football rather than criticism.