FIFA president Gianni Infantino has attempted to rewrite history by writing a bizarre 886-word letter which glosses over the controversies of the World Cup and fires back at his haters
Gianni Infantino has told FIFA’s critics to “take a moment to reflect, meditate or pray” in a rambling and bizarre open letter that attempts to gloss over the problems surrounding the World Cup.
FIFA’s president was highly visible during the tournament, attending 44 matches in 39 days in a private jet in order to rub shoulders with world leaders, celebrities and those whose votes he needs to secure another term. Yet his presence at the tournament doesn’t seem to have given him any insight into its issues.
The World Cup saw headlines generated over Somali referee Omar Artan’s denied visa, Iran’s difficulties in entering the United States, Donald Trump’s interference in the disciplinary proceedings involving US striker Folarin Balogun after a red card and Argentina celebrating with a banner about the Falkland Islands.
A scandal over massively inflated ticket prices and the controversial introduction of hydration breaks in every half were also major talking points during the tournament, which was staged across the US, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.
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Even the final of the World Cup was marred by the behaviour of some of Argentina’s players and coaching staff following Spain’s victory. Infantino was in attendance alongside Trump at the final in New Jersey a week ago, but has wiped the unsavoury scenes from his memory.
In an 886-word open letter published on his personal Instagram account and FIFA’s website, Infantino addresses those who were “so consumed by hate and criticism” that they “missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game” at “the best show in the world”.
In words that echo his ally Trump, he notes there was “zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness” and that “virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended”.
The head of football’s governing body, who Trump has put forward as the next head of the United Nations, then attempts to whitewash various controversies. He claims “Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict” and that “countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas”.
He adds: “You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.”
Infantino then appears justify the overturning of Balogun’s red card as the sort of thing that happens routinely in other leagues.
He writes: “Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues.
“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.”
He then concludes with a message to his haters: “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.”
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