International News: Infantino slams critics for spreading hate during World Cup 2026

By Zoila Palma:  FIFA President Gianni Infantino has criticized the World Cup 2026 tournament’s detractors, accusing them of “spreading hate” and missing the joy and unity surrounding the global football event, Yahoo reports.

 In a lengthy social media post following the conclusion of the tournament, Infantino said critics were so focused on negativity that they failed to appreciate families and fans coming together to celebrate the sport.

“To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness,” Infantino wrote.

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.” He also appeared to criticize journalists and commentators, saying: “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 went on to defend the tournament’s message of unity while addressing criticism over refereeing and disciplinary decisions. “While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate,” he wrote, adding, “Our world needs love, not hate; tolerance, not division; celebration, not mourning.” He also said, “It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.”

The FIFA president also defended what he described as “’arguable’ referees’ decisions” and “’strange’ disciplinary rulings,” saying such incidents are common in major football leagues.

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