FIFA president Infantino blasts critics; US congressman accuses him of bribery
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino and US President Donald Trump hand the World Cup trophy to Spain’s Rodri ahead of the trophy lift.
PHOTO: REUTERS
- FIFA president Gianni Infantino defended the World Cup, calling it a success that brought joy, unity, and safety, while accusing critics of spreading hate and false rumours.
- He addressed controversies like visa restrictions, disciplinary decisions, and refereeing issues, arguing such challenges are common in global football and often criticised by countries using similar practices.
- Infantino highlighted football's power to transcend political and health crises, noting that countries with conflicts and crises were allowed to participate, urging respect for all teams involved.
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GENEVA – FIFA president Gianni Infantino rejected scrutiny of his leadership and the organisation, accusing critics of “spreading hate and false rumours” while they were “delivering the best show in the world”, minimising or altogether ignoring issues that arose with the 2026 World Cup.
His message was delivered across 15 slides on his personal Instagram account, cross-posted to the FIFA Instagram account and distributed to media personnel by FIFA’s communications team.
Infantino’s message said: “We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100% safety and security, only joy and happiness!”
The comments came on July 27, a day after United States Representative Jamie Raskin accused Infantino of “outright bribery” in his relationship with Donald Trump and the President’s administration and businesses.
There were multiple issues with some teams and fans gaining access to the tournament.
Four countries – Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast – played their matches despite many supporters being unable to enter the US because of travel restrictions imposed by the Trump administration.
Iran’s team captain Mehdi Taremi called the World Cup a “disaster” due to the restrictions on visas and movement for members of its federation.
Infantino’s message also ignored the four people who died of suffocation during celebrations in Mexico City after Mexico’s round-of-32 victory over Ecuador, as reported by The Athletic.
The message from Infantino, who has not held a press conference since before the World Cup began, also made a dismissive apparent reference to the significant controversy when US forward Folarin Balogun had an automatic one-game ban reversed.
FIFA’s disciplinary committee suspended the sanction with no explanation, and Trump later said he called Infantino to have the case reviewed, which Infantino denied.
“Your dissatisfaction with a few decisions made by the competent authorities is understandable, but please refer to public records: Such decisions are common in some of the most important leagues,” Infantino posted.
“Indeed, ‘arguable’ referees’ decisions or ‘strange’ disciplinary rulings such as, for instance, potentially mistaken red or yellow cards or subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine and widely accepted in some of the biggest leagues worldwide.”
Raskin is seeking an appearance from Infantino in front of the House Judiciary Committee, though he does not have subpoena power as the Democrats are the minority power in the House.
Raskin requested that Infantino reveal to Congress “a list of anything of value (including transfer of money, gifts, prizes, awards or public appearances) given to President Trump, members of his administration, or their family members, or any entity associated with them, such as The Trump Organization”.
Trump and Infantino maintained a close relationship throughout the lead-up to the tournament, with the football organisation giving Trump the first FIFA Peace Prize in 2025. Raskin called that award “hilariously fake”.
Raskin also wrote to Infantino: “You leased an office space on the 17th floor of Trump Tower – a space that might retail for US$600,000 (S$776,000) a year – even though it would only be used during the 39-day period of the World Cup.
“That comes to more than US$15,000 a day. These actions appear designed to induce President Trump and his administration to make decisions in FIFA’s favour...
“The most recent quid pro quo that FIFA and President Trump orchestrated is not a victimless crime. It hurts Americans.
“FIFA has taken its newfound favoured status in the Trump administration as a sign that it may rip off its consumers, most notably, by employing illegal price gouging and fraudulent sales tactics for the World Cup.”
White House spokesman Davis Ingle responded to Raskin’s letter in a statement published by The Athletic: “Lightweight Jamie Raskin (is) a stupid person’s idea of a smart person.
“No other president in history could have pulled off the historic feat that President Trump delivered for the American people and the world.
“Thanks to his bold vision and decisive leadership, the 2026 FIFA World Cup generated billions of dollars in revenue, created a massive economic boost across host cities, and delivered a safe, secure and seamless experience for millions of fans and athletes from around the globe.
“It will undoubtedly go down as one of the greatest and most successful sporting events in history.” REUTERS