Don't spread fake news, meditate or enjoy football: FIFA president

Don't spread fake news, meditate or enjoy football: FIFA president

The latest edition of the football World Cup, dubbed 'The Greatest Show on Earth', concluded just a few days ago. From refereeing to various other issues, there has been criticism. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made harsh and controversial remarks against those criticising the tournament.

In a social media post, he expressed his anger towards the critics and urged them not to spread fake news, but instead to meditate, pray or enjoy football matches.

Infantino published a lengthy 15-slide message on his personal Instagram account, which was later also posted from FIFA's official page. He claimed the tournament was 100 percent safe and secure, with no incidents of violence.

Despite political tensions between Iran and co-hosts the United States, Infantino described Iran's participation in the World Cup as a major success. According to him, FIFA built bridges through football between the two countries.

However, despite the FIFA president's claims of success, criticism and controversy persisted throughout the tournament. Contrary to Infantino's claims, Iran's coach Amir Ghalenoei described his team as the most oppressed in the tournament. The team faced various logistical problems, including visa delays, visa rejections for officials and being forced to relocate their training camp to Mexico.

FIFA faced heavy criticism when it suspended the one-match red card suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun. UEFA expressed outrage at FIFA's decision, calling it unprecedented and unfair.

Despite scuffles after the Argentina-Spain match, allegations of racist behaviour towards prominent social media personality IShowSpeed and the detention of supporters, Infantino still claimed the entire tournament was completely violence-free.

In an emotional message addressed to his critics, the FIFA chief concluded: "Football unites the world. Instead of spreading hate, everyone should enjoy the passion and beauty of the game through love."