FIFA President Gianni Infantino has accused critics of the 2022 World Cup of spreading "hate and false rumours" in a defiant open letter published on Monday. The letter, shared through Infantino’s Instagram account and FIFA’s official channels, came one week after the tournament concluded in Canada, Mexico, and the United States. In the message, Infantino defended the event’s success and claimed it brought "only joy and happiness" to participants and fans worldwide.
The backlash against the World Cup has been significant, with some critics arguing that the tournament faced logistical challenges and controversies. Infantino, however, dismissed these claims as misinformation, urging critics to "meditate and pray" before commenting. His remarks have drawn mixed reactions, with some supporters praising his strong stance, while others argue that his public confrontation only intensified the controversy.
Several media outlets reported that Infantino’s response was part of a broader effort to control the narrative around the event. The World Cup, which was the first to be hosted across three nations, faced scrutiny over its organization and security. Despite these concerns, Infantino maintained that the tournament was a success, emphasizing unity and global participation. His open letter, however, has sparked further debate about the role of public criticism in major international events.
