GENEVA (AP) — One week after the World Cup final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino attacked perceived critics for "spreading hate and false rumors" about the tournament.
Infantino praised FIFA for "delivering the best show in the world" and spoke of the World Cup bringing "joy and togetherness," in a 900-word statement published across a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on FIFA's website late Sunday.
"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," the FIFA leader wrote, addressing his comments to "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors."
READ MORE: FIFA's Infantino targeted by complaint to Olympic ethics body after Trump lobbying on Balogun ban
FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup for Iran team officials, a Somali referee and fans being denied entry to the United States; alleged political influence by U.S. President Donald Trump in letting Folarin Balogun avoid a ban for a red card; unprecedented high ticket prices and commercialized breaks in play midway through each half of all 104 games.
