Gianni Infantino hits out at World Cup critics for 'spreading hate and false rumours'

Gianni Infantino has hit out at World Cup critics "for spreading hate and misinformation".

The FIFA President sent out a lengthy message on social media summarising the tournament, where he appeared to brush off several controversies.

Infantino began his statement by taking aim at people who were "consumed by hate and criticism" and leading them to miss the "joy and togetherness" the World Cup brought.

He wrote: "To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy.

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"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.

"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all.

"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.

"While you hide, we are exploring the streets of Canada, Mexico, and the United States, talking with fans, engaging with people, and ensuring everyone's safety.

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"While you divide, we unite. People came together as families, as fans, as one."

Infantino appeared to brush off his and US President Donald Trump's reception upon arriving on the pitch at the World Cup final, with thousands of fans in MetLife Stadium jeering him as he walked out.

The FIFA President turned his attention to the Iranian National Team, who claimed they were "the most oppressed" side in the history of the competition.

Iran were forced to relocate their training base to Mexico after the US refused to host them and had to return immediately to Mexico after their matches, which were all in the States.

Not addressing the challenges Iran faced, Infantino wrote: "While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war. Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict.

"When the Iranian team began playing, all the chants against them turned into a single song. The fans became the country, they became the team, and they stood behind Team Melli.

"It's not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination."

The FIFA President appeared to turn his attention to journalists reporting about the World Cup, saying he hopes they "find love and peace".

He wrote: "To the pens and papers, to all the screens, may you find love and peace where the people behind you couldn't.

"May you find peace; we at FIFA have found ours and we deliver it, by delivering the most outstanding FIFA World Cup. May football rise above all hate.

"Finally, I am incredibly proud, as FIFA President, to have contributed, even a little, to this show. It's a great feeling! Much love to all."

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