Infantino tells critics to 'meditate, pray' as he hails World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has dismissed criticism on the governing body and the World Cup and accused opponents of “spreading hate and false rumours.”

Infantino said in an lengthy Instagram post early Monday that the tournament in the United States, Mexico and Canada was “the most outstanding World Cup” which “celebrated humanity at its best.”

He suggested that the critics “take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray, or watch a football match” because “our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.”

Infantino highlighted the peaceful atmosphere at the 16 venues and that billions from around the world had watched the June 11-July 19 tournament.

“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,” Infantino told the critics.

He said that while “you spread hatred we worked tirelessly to unite countries at war” and claimed that “Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.”

He did not mention criticism from the Iran team on the visa restrictions imposed on them by US authorities or the entry ban for designated Somali World Cup referee Omar Artan, rather highlighting that millions of others had no visa problems.

Infantino also dismissed criticism on refereeing and disciplinary matters which culminated in the lifting of an automatic red card ban for American player Folarin Balogun after an intervention from US President Donald Trump.

He said it was “curious” that the criticism came from countries where similar practices are “routine and widely accepted.”

“Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination,” Infantino said in general terms, stating he was “incredibly proud” to have done his share.