Rome, 26 July (LaPresse) – “To all those who missed out on our beautiful game, the thrills, the celebrations, the laughter, the tears and the joy. To all of you who missed the chance to see children, babies, grandparents and parents come together for this wonderful sport, I apologise because the matches are over and I’m sorry that you missed out on all that joy and unity. I’m sorry that you were so overwhelmed by hatred and criticism that you missed out on everything.” This was written by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a lengthy message published on the federation’s website. “To those who, from behind their pens and papers, from behind their screens, spread hatred and false rumours, I want to say that whilst you sit back, we at FIFA are on the front line organising, working hard and delivering the best spectacle in the world,” he continues – “Whilst you hide away, we’re exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States, talking to fans, interacting with people and ensuring everyone’s safety. Whilst you divide yourselves, we unite.” “We have seen no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent security, just joy and happiness,” claims Infantino, who then adds: “Whilst you were sowing hatred, we were working tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team took to the pitch, all the chants against them turned into a single anthem.” For Infantino, “this is the power of football. The Iranian team were granted visas to enter because football is synonymous with peace. Not with politics. Football is synonymous with unity, not division. Football is greater than hatred and discrimination.”
2026 World Cup, Infantino: “Hate has been spread about the tournament; football is synonymous with peace”
Rome, 26 July (LaPresse) – “To all those who missed out on our beautiful game, the thrills, the celebrations, the laughter, the tears and the joy. To all of you who missed the chance to see children, babies, grandparents and parents come together for this wonderful sport, I apologise because the matches are over and I’m sorry that you missed out on all that joy and unity. I’m sorry that you were so overwhelmed by hatred and criticism that you missed out on everything.” This was written by FIFA President Gianni Infantino in a lengthy message published on the federation’s website. “To those who, from behind their pens and papers, from behind their screens, spread hatred and false rumours, I want to say that whilst you sit back, we at FIFA are on the front line organising, working hard and delivering the best spectacle in the world,” he continues – “Whilst you hide away, we’re exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico and the United States, talking to fans, interacting with people and ensuring everyone’s safety. Whilst you divide yourselves, we unite.” “We have seen no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent security, just joy and happiness,” claims Infantino, who then adds: “Whilst you were sowing hatred, we were working tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict. When the Iranian team took to the pitch, all the chants against them turned into a single anthem.” For Infantino, “this is the power of football. The Iranian team were granted visas to enter because football is synonymous with peace. Not with politics. Football is synonymous with unity, not division. Football is greater than hatred and discrimination.”
