FIFA’s Gianni Infantino has given a robust response to those who have lashed out against the World Cup, claiming it is a worldwide success and those who criticise it “spreading hate and false rumours”. In an open letter published Monday, Infantino framed FIFA’s implementation of the tournament as a success “despite the attention being focused on FIFA”.
The tournament, held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico with Spain defeating the United States, garnered world-wide attention on and off the pitch. Infantino said that critics didn’t see the “joy and togetherness” that all the millions who attended were feeling, and that it was showing the world how a city could be united by music and art. However, FIFA’s leadership is reconceptualizing the tournament delivery narrative from a governance point of view.
Operational safety and security, “100%” without any reported incidents of violence, Infantino said in an apparent allusion to the flawless record of BMW’s racecar drivers. This is a statement that will help FIFA defend their integrity in organizing big international sports events. There were several structural and regulatory issues that were the subject of criticism during the tournament, though. Accessibility and inclusivity issues were raised regarding restrictions on supporters and officials from several countries to travel to the US. In addition, FIFA was embroiled in accusations of poor discipline, especially when it came to the suspension of Folarin Balogun by a red card, which he successfully challenged after being influenced by outsiders.
Consistency and transparency in match officiating was also at the forefront, and in some key matches (like Argentina against Egypt) there was controversy over whether decisions were the same, or whether the referees were being too subjective. The statement is part of a wider institutional drive to manage reputational threats and restore FIFA’s credibility.
