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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div>\nOne week after the FIFA World Cup<\/a> final, FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the tournament and criticised what he described as negative coverage, accusing some critics of \u201cspreading hate and false rumors.\u201dIn a 900-word statement published across a 15-page post on his Instagram<\/a> account and on FIFA\u2019s website late Sunday, Infantino said FIFA had succeeded in staging the World Cup and bringing people together.He praised FIFA for \u201cdelivering the best show in the world\u201d and said the tournament had brought \u201cjoy and togetherness.\u201d\u201cSorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,\u201d Infantino wrote, addressing his comments to \u201cthose behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.\u201dFIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup over several issues, including Iran team officials, a Somali referee and some fans being denied entry to the United States, allegations of political influence by US President Donald Trump<\/a> in allowing Folarin Balogun to avoid a suspension after receiving a red card, high ticket prices and commercial breaks introduced midway through each half of all 104 matches.\u201cEvery city was packed with fans from all around the globe,\u201d Infantino wrote. \u201cWhile they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.\u201d\u201cWhile you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone\u2019s safety.\u201dOn Iran and US relations<\/span>Iran’s participation in matches held in the United States had been one of the major issues before the tournament. The Iranian team eventually shifted its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana in Mexico before the competition.\u201cIran entered the United States without incident or conflict,\u201d Infantino wrote. \u201cWhile you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.\u201dSome supporters were unable to enter the United States, including Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the well-known Congo supporter, who attended one match in Mexico after being denied a US visa.\u201cYou mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,\u201d Infantino wrote. \u201cCountries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.\u201dDefending Balogun decision<\/span>Infantino also responded to criticism over the handling of US forward Folarin Balogun’s red card.He said \u201csubsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.\u201dFIFA did not cancel Balogun’s red card, which sometimes happens in domestic competitions. Instead, it deferred his one-match suspension for a probationary period. FIFA has not yet released the disciplinary judge’s written decision.Ending his statement, Infantino urged critics to focus on football instead of criticism.<\/div>\n