A week after the end of the FIFA World Cup, the repercussions of this global sporting event have not subsided. Combining media reports from the BBC, the Associated Press and sports media GiveMeSport, Lists of presidents of FIFA Infantino recently released a graphic statement containing 15 slides on the official FIFA website and his personal social media account in response to questions from various parties, which sparked widespread discussion.
In the statement, Infantino praised the FIFA for “presenting the most spectacular event in the world” and said that the US-Camerica World Cup has 100% security and guarantees. In response to outside questions about event organization, visa policies and penalties, Infantino addressed critics, accusing them of being “devoured by hatred” and urging them to “meditate, pray or watch a football game” to “seek inner peace”.
According to the BBC, Infantino has downplayed several of the most controversial events in this tournament, insisting that the team‘s participation was a success despite a series of difficulties, including visa delays, logistical team members being denied entry, and forced relocation of training bases. Infantino emphasized that the FIFA‘s “incessant efforts to promote unity between the two warring countries” ultimately allowed the team to enter the host country‘s tournament “safely and without conflict.” However, this is in stark contrast to the statement of the team‘s manager, Kalenoy, who once said that his team was the “most oppressed” team in this World Cup.
On the controversial incident of the American player Balogon‘s red card suspension and the issue of referee-controversial penalties, Infantino wrote: “In fact, ‘controversial’ penalties such as potentially wrong red and yellow card penalties, or decisions not to ban players in specific circumstances, and ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings, are normal and widely accepted in the world‘s major leagues. Strangely enough, those countries that also adopt these practices are the ones that have the loudest criticism.”
GiveMeSport said that Infantino‘s statement provoked a public backlash. Liga president Tebas posted on social media that Infantino posted a “tragic message”: “No one denies that football represents emotion and solidarity. But transparency, good management and accountability are by no means hatred, they are an obligation.”
Meanwhile, misleading comments and controversial speculation about Infantino and the current World Cup are still brewing. A post with nearly 4 million views on social media platforms claimed that Infantino had reached a deal with the UEFA to “assure” the Spanish team to win the World Cup in exchange for UEFA‘s support for Infantino’s re-election as Lists of presidents of FIFA in 2027. The post did not add any evidence to support the above view, and there is currently no evidence that the UEFA is involved in bribery to manipulate the results of the World Cup finals.
Inventino announced in April this year that he would run for president again, which would be his fourth term if he succeeds. Euronews said that several FIFA member associations have supported Inventino‘s reelection, and only a few European associations have not yet expressed support, including the German Football Association. The UEFA has recently had disagreements with the FIFA on various issues, and it is unclear whether the UEFA will turn to support other candidates.
In addition, a story circulating online claimed that after Argentina defeated England in the semifinals, some players struck a political slogan banner. Subsequently, FIFA used this as an excuse to force Argentina to lose in the finals, otherwise facing severe penalties of being banned from participating in the World Cup for 10 years. However, at present, Argentina‘s players have not been punished for making political remarks. There is even speculation that Argentine players and their families were personally threatened before the World Cup finals. Argentine coach Scaloni refuted these conspiracy theories, and Argentine Football Association President Claudio Tapia also called for not to believe “lies” and said that Spain deserved to win the finals. The father of Argentine national midfielder McAllister also clarified in media interviews that he was not threatened.