FIFA President attacks World Cup critics: "You were immersed in hatred"

In an unusual and extraordinary move that has caused a huge stir in the sports world, FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a particularly sharp letter directed against critics of the World Cup tournament. Instead of maintaining official decorum or addressing the serious disciplinary incidents and logistical criticisms that accompanied the tournament, Infantino chose to launch an unbridled attack against media outlets and critics around the world.

At the center of the letter, Infantino leveled harsh accusations against those who covered the tournament with a critical eye, using sharp language uncharacteristic of the organization's senior officials:

"To all those who sit behind the lounges, the pens and the papers, behind the screens and spread hatred and false rumors – while you hide, we at FIFA are on the front lines, working hard and delivering the best show on earth."

He thus rejected outright all the claims raised against the organization's management and the running of the tournament.

"You were immersed in hatred"

Continuing his remarks, the president attacked the public atmosphere that he claimed critics tried to create around the pinnacle event of world football. Infantino argued that the constant preoccupation with flaws caused critics to miss the point:

"I regret that you were so immersed in hatred and criticism that you missed all the joy and unity of the beautiful game."

Another unusual part of the letter concerned the complete disregard for the violent incidents that occurred at the end of the final between Spain and Argentina. Infantino chose to present a completely sterile picture of the tournament: "Seven million people from 200 countries enjoyed themselves in 16 cities – zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence," the president claimed. This statement caused great astonishment in sports media outlets in light of the disciplinary investigations opened following the final's events.

"Do some meditation"

Infantino concluded his letter with an unusual recommendation to his critics, in what appears to be the peak of the confrontation between the FIFA president and the public:

"To all those who invest their time and energy in hating us, please take a moment to reflect, to meditate, to pray, or simply to watch a football match and observe the emotions."

This letter is expected to continue to cause stormy waves in the football world in the coming days.