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.

Infantino said in an Instagram post that critics of his leadership should “meditate, pray or watch a football match.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the World Cup as a success. He accused critics of spreading hate and false narratives about the event. Infantino highlighted the unity and…