Infantino tells Fifa critics to 'meditate, pray or watch football'

What the report says

Nile Post, carrying a BBC Sport report, says Fifa president Gianni Infantino used a 15-slide Instagram post to push back against criticism of his leadership, the governing body and the World Cup. The post, shared from his personal account and reposted to Fifa’s large Instagram audience, urged detractors to “meditate, pray or watch a football match” rather than, in his view, spread hate and rumours. Infantino described the tournament as football’s biggest global event and said it had showcased unity, happiness and safety.

The report says Infantino rejected or minimised several controversies connected to the 2026 World Cup. He pointed to Iran’s participation, despite tensions with co-hosts the United States, as evidence that Fifa had helped bring countries together. However, BBC Sport noted that Iran’s coach Amir Ghalenoei had described his team as highly disadvantaged, citing visa delays, denied entry for some staff, ticket issues for fans, movement restrictions and a training-base change. The article also says fans from countries including Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast were affected by US travel restrictions, while Somali referee Omar Artan was denied entry.

Infantino also defended tournament security and refereeing decisions. The report contrasts his claim of no violence or incidents with ongoing Fifa inquiries into Argentina’s conduct after the final and alleged racist abuse toward influencer IShowSpeed, as well as arrests at some matches. It also highlights criticism after USA forward Folarin Balogun’s suspension was lifted following intervention by President Donald Trump, a decision Uefa called unacceptable. The International Olympic Committee, however, said it would not examine a neutrality complaint against Infantino because it fell outside its ethics commission’s remit.