FIFA President Gianni Infantino has responded strongly to criticism of the World Cup, accusing some detractors of spreading “hate” and misinformation while defending the tournament as a successful celebration of unity, security and inclusion.

In an open letter released on Monday, Infantino, 56, argued that critics had ignored the positive experiences of millions of supporters who attended the competition, which was won by Spain and hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico.

“You were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote.

Addressing those who questioned the tournament, the FIFA president said: “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard and delivering the best show in the world.”

Infantino also highlighted the tournament’s security record, claiming it was held without major incidents.

“We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness,” he said.

Despite FIFA’s positive assessment, the tournament faced criticism over several issues, including concerns surrounding US visa restrictions that affected some supporters and officials, as well as debates involving teams from countries impacted by ongoing conflicts.

Infantino’s letter came amid further scrutiny of FIFA’s decisions during the tournament, including the handling of the Folarin Balogun disciplinary case. The governing body faced criticism after the automatic one-match suspension for the United States forward was overturned following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, with the decision reportedly coming after intervention from US President Donald Trump.

Refereeing decisions during Argentina’s match against Egypt also sparked significant debate among supporters and analysts.

Although Infantino did not mention specific incidents, he argued that many of the controversial refereeing and disciplinary decisions seen during the World Cup were similar to situations regularly occurring in major competitions around the world.

“Potentially mistaken red or yellow cards, or subsequent decisions not to suspend players in certain situations, are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide,” Infantino said.

“It is curious that the same countries using these practices are the ones criticising them.”

Visa controversies and football’s message of unity

Infantino also pointed to the participation of nations dealing with political tensions, internal crises and health challenges as an example of football’s ability to bring people together beyond divisions.

Iran’s involvement in the tournament came during a period of heightened tensions with the United States, while concerns around Haiti’s domestic situation and health challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo also raised questions about travel and visa restrictions.

In another case, Somali referee Omar Abdulkadir Artan was reportedly prevented from entering the United States despite holding a valid visa.

“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It is not about politics,” Infantino said.

“Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.”

He added that football’s role in giving global attention to nations such as Haiti should be recognised.

“When football brought Haiti to the world, a country that many cannot or choose not to visit, it might be time to put down your pens and keyboards and show some respect to the teams that played,” Infantino said.