Infantino hits out at haters and ignores World Cup issues in jaw-dropping letter

FIFA president Gianni Infantino tried to reshape the narrative of the World Cup with an 886-word open letter that dismisses criticism and sidesteps multiple controversies. In the letter, he tells critics to “take a moment to reflect, meditate or pray,” while highlighting his own high-profile attendance, including 44 matches over 39 days aboard a private jet. Infantino also asserts that the tournament delivered “zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence,” framing it as unity and joy. The article notes that coverage during the June 11–July 19 event across the US, Canada and Mexico included issues such as Omar Artan’s denied visa, Iran’s entry troubles, Folarin Balogun’s red-card disciplinary dispute, inflated ticket prices, and hydration breaks.