Infantino ‘unfit to govern’ Fifa after Trump-style rant

Tom Morgan Mon, July 27, 2026 at 1:09 PM UTC

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Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump at the World Cup final earlier this month - Bradley Collyer/PA

Gianni Infantino has been labelled unfit to govern world football after he angrily hit out at his detractors for “spreading hate”.

Human rights campaigners launched an immediate backlash against the Fifa president’s “score-settling rant” over night.

Infantino said in a lengthy statement that those “hating” football’s governing body should instead “meditate, pray or watch a football match”.

Unprecedented ticket-price profiteering and the “suspended suspension” of Folarin Balogun, the US forward, after lobbying from Donald Trump were among issues that dogged a controversy-engulfed World Cup.

But in a 15-page message published on Instagram a week after the tournament finished, Infantino claimed critics had “missed all that joy and togetherness” and said they had been “spreading hate and false rumours”.

Human rights organisation FairSquare, which had made a formal complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) about Infantino’s conduct during the tournament, said the statement showed how far he had become “divorced” from his unpopularity.

“Infantino’s score-settling rant further underscores his unfitness to govern world football,”  Nicholas McGeehan, director and co-founder of FairSquare, told Telegraph Sport. “He is cosseted by yes-men inside the organisation and divorced from the reality of his unpopularity outside of it.”

Telegraph Sport dissects the Fifa president’s lengthy statement in full...

Attacks the haters

What he said: To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception and the joy. 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.

Was he right? Never has a World Cup been dogged by so much controversy in the build-up to the competition and then during it. Many of those who “missed” the tournament did so because they were priced out of attending. Fan boycotts were announced after unprecedented ticket-price profiteering, with a pitch-side seat at the final costing up to $1m.

Others turned their backs on the tournament after Infantino was threatened with sanctions and told to resign amid global outrage over the “suspended suspension” of Folarin Balogun, the US forward, following lobbying from US president Trump. Other absentees had matters taken out of their hands as US travel restrictions affected supporters and officials from several competing nations, including Iran, Haiti, Senegal and Ivory Coast. Meanwhile, Omar Artan, the Somali referee, was turned away at the border as the tournament got underway.

Infantino continues to play down criticism of the recent tournament despite the numerous controversies - Henry Romero/ReutersSafety issues

What he said: 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. While you divide, we unite. People came together as families, as fans, as one. We experienced no violence, no incidents, 100 per cent safety and security, only joy and happiness!

Was he right? Infantino may be right in saying troublemakers were kept at bay, but the tournament cannot claim an entirely unblemished record on safety. Four died in Mexico City, including three of suffocation, after crowds celebrated following the country’s 2-0 victory over Ecuador in their first World Cup knockout win since 1986. Telegraph Sport’s Oliver Brown also witnessed a gang shooting near fans in downtown Boston after Germany’s World Cup defeat on penalties by Paraguay. Infantino’s message that “while you divide, we unite” will also fall flat for those denied travel to the US over visa issues.

Fans were crushed after Mexico’s victory over Ecuador at the start of July - @jorgesncheztor1 on XTrumpeting celebrities

What he said: Seven million people from over 200 countries enjoyed the tournament across 16 fantastic cities and stadiums: zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness. All were safe, secure, and happy.

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Billions worldwide watched the Fifa World Cup™ from home, sharing moments of love for the game with friends and family, moments filled with joy, emotions, happiness, unity and togetherness.

Virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment and sports attended, enjoying the event, spending time with fans and us. They were joyful and happy.

Was he right? The final was a celebrity-packed affair, with Tom Cruise, Beyoncé, Justin Bieber and Madonna among those either involved in proceedings or attending as spectators. However, with so many artists crammed into a chaotic half-time show, Fifa broke the rules of the game, as Argentina and Spain were left waiting for almost 27 minutes to begin the second half.

Justin Bieber was part of a star-studded line-up for the World Cup final’s half-time showIran

What he said: 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. This is the power of football. The Iranian team received visas to enter because football is about peace. It’s not about politics. Football is about unity, not division. Football is bigger than hate and discrimination.

Is he right? Infantino delivered on his promise to ensure Iran played at the World Cup, but the nation’s stay was not entirely smooth. They had to stay across the border in Mexico even though all their matches were in the US. The football federation was also angered by a senior US official celebrating their exit from the World Cup, and accused the co-hosts of peddling “lies”. Amir Ghalenoei, Iran’s head coach, also argued his team were the “most oppressed” at the tournament in his first press conference.

Iran captain Mehdi Taremi criticised his country’s treatment at the hands of Fifa and US authorities - Alex Livesey/Getty ImagesVisas

What he said: Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas. Their teams competing and fans cheering filled millions of people back home with hope and, if only for a moment worth eternity, with joy and pride.You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world. Because football unites the world, and it was demonstrated impressively this summer.

Is he right? Iran’s national team captain Mehdi Taremi described the competition as a “disaster” because of the restrictions on visas and movement for members of its federation. Meanwhile, Somali referee Artan was interrogated for 11 hours by US immigration authorities at Miami International Airport after his diplomatic passport and single-entry US visa were rejected. A US government official said Artan had not been allowed to enter the country because of an alleged “association with suspected members of terror organisations”. Artan said he had been questioned by border officials over his links to Somali militant group Al-Shabaab and had told them he knew nothing about the organisation.

Omar Artan was given a hero’s welcome on his return to Mogadishu, Somalia - Feisal Omar/ReutersBalogun

What he said: 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.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. It’s curious that the same countries employing these practices are the ones criticising.

Is he right? No other countries or governing bodies have suspended any football suspension after political interference by Trump. The US president has repeatedly confirmed he called Infantino to complain about the Balogun red card and asked for the case to be reviewed. Balogun was then made eligible to face Belgium after Fifa’s disciplinary committee suspended the sanction. The committee has not explained this decision, which triggered widespread accusations of political interference in the World Cup.

Expanded World Cup

What he said: This Fifa World Cup celebrated humanity at its best. We saw teams from small nations compete proudly in the most prestigious matches. They were confident, professional and brought pride to their countries. Most importantly, they gave hope; hope that anyone can be part of the world, be big in the game, regardless of where they come from. We are all equal: fans, players and just human beings. At Fifa, we couldn’t be more proud or emotional witnessing these moments of love, joy and unity.

To those spending their time and energy hating us, please take a moment to reflect, meditate, pray or watch a football match and truly observe the faces, the eyes the emotions.

Is he right? This emphasis on small nations competing on the biggest stage could be interpreted as another signal the tournament will go ahead with another expansion from 48 to 64 teams by 2030. Infantino confirmed a fortnight ago that the prospect of a further 16 nations taking part in the World Cup “will be examined and discussed”. Alejandro Domínguez, the head of Conmebol (the South American football confederation) and a Fifa vice-president, has suggested that the expansion is a done deal. La Liga chief Javier Tebas has said a further expansion “makes no sense”.

Cape Verde reached the knockout stages as one of four debutants at the 2026 World Cup - Rob Newell/Getty ImagesFinal thoughts

What he said: Because only our beautiful game can deliver such an extraordinary show, a show where everyone becomes one and reconnects as humans. 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.

Is he right? The criticism of Infantino is ultimately futile – he already appears certain to be re-elected for a fourth term in Fifa’s March congress.

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Source: “AOL Sports”