• [Dailystar Icon]
• Sport
• Football
• World Cup

FIFA chief Gianni Infantino branded unfit to govern football after online rant

Human rights chief slams Gianni Infantino as 'divorced' from 'reality' after he tells critics to 'meditate, pray or watch a football match' for 'spreading hate' about the 'best show in the world'

[EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JULY 19: FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives at the stadium before the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)]

Gianni Infantino (Image: Florencia Tan Jun, Getty Images)

Gianni Infantino has been labelled unfit to govern world football after attacking critics for spreading hate about the best show in the world.

In a 15-page message posted on Instagram the FIFA chief said folk who sneered at the recent World Cup had missed all the joy and togetherness the tournament had inspired.

He said some had been so consumed by hate and criticism they missed the joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness experienced by seven million people from over 200 countries who saw the matches in the US, Mexico and Canada - plus billions worldwide who tuned in on TV from home.

[U.S. President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino hold the FIFA World Cup Winner's Trophy ]

Infantino (left) with Donald Trump and the World Cup(Image: Alex Pantling/FIFA via Getty Images)

Infantino said some had resorted to spreading hate and false rumours about controversies including high ticket prices, entry visa woes and the Falorin Balogun row - the US striker whose red card ban was suspended following lobbying from Donald Trump. He suggested FIFA-haters should meditate, pray or watch a football match.

Human rights organisation FairSquare, which made a formal complaint about his conduct during the tournament to the International Olympic Committee, said it showed how much Infantino was divorced from the reality of his unpopularity.

Director and founder Nicholas McGeehan said: Infantinos score-settling rant further underscores his unfitness to govern world football. He is cosseted by yes-men inside the organisation and divorced from the reality of his unpopularity outside of it.

[Iran ]

Iran players greeted as heroes after returning from World Cup in US(Image: Getty Images)

Infantino, who is set to be re-elected FIFA president unopposed, wrote: To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception and the joy.

To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness. Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

Addressing those he accused of spreading hate and false rumours from behind laptops he said: We at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard and delivering the best show in the world. While you hide we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyones safety.

[FIFA President Gianni Infantino ]

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has penned a lengthy open letter(Image: Chris Brunskill/Getty Images)

While you divide, we unite. People came together as families, as fans, as one. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness.

Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums - zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. All were safe, secure, and happy.

Billions worldwide watched the FIFA World Cup from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity and togetherness.

Virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us. They were joyful and happy.

Infantino said FIFA had worked tirelessly to unite the warring Iran and US. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict, he said.

When the Iranian team began playing all the chants against them turned into a single song. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. Its not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.

Infantino said critics had focused on the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved from all parts of the world.

He said: Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.

He said dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities was understandable. But he went on: 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.

Its curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising. He said the World Cup had celebrated humanity at its best and saw teams from small nations compete proudly in the most prestigious matches.

[SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - JULY 6: Folarin Balogun of USA during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round Of 16 match between USA and Belgium at Seattle Stadium on July 6, 2026 in Seattle, United States. (Photo by Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)]

Folarin Balogun red card controversy (Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA/Getty Images)

To those spending their time and energy hating us please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes, the emotions, he added.

Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans.

To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldnt. May you find peace. We at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it by delivering the most outstanding World Cup. May football rise above all hate. Finally I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. Its a great feeling.

Join Gold Star!

[Dailystar Icon]

ENJOYED THIS STORY?

Choose Daily Star as a 'Preferred Source' on Google News for quick access to the news you value.