Gianni Infantino fires back at FIFA critics in letter ignoring World Cup controversies

Gianni Infantino has urged FIFA's detractors to "take a moment to reflect, meditate or pray" in a meandering and peculiar open letter that seeks to downplay the controversies surrounding the World Cup.

FIFA's president maintained a conspicuous profile throughout the competition, showing up at 44 matches over 39 days via private aircraft to chat with political figures, A-listers and those whose support he requires to lock in another mandate. Yet his attendance at the tournament appears not to have provided him with any understanding of its shortcomings.

The World Cup generated stories surrounding Somali referee Omar Artan's rejected visa, Iran's challenges entering the United States, Donald Trump's meddling in the disciplinary process concerning U.S. Men's National Team striker Folarin Balogun following a red card, and Argentina celebrating with a banner about the Falkland Islands, via The Mirror.

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A controversy over drastically inflated admission costs and the contentious implementation of hydration breaks in every half also dominated discussion throughout the competition, which took place across the U.S., Canada, and Mexico from June 11 to July 19.

Even the Final was tainted by the conduct of certain Argentina players and coaching personnel following Spain's win. Infantino attended the game alongside Trump in New Jersey, but has seemingly erased the distasteful incidents from his recollection.

In an 886-word open letter posted on his personal Instagram account and FIFA's website, Infantino addresses those who were "so consumed by hate and criticism" that they "missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game" at "the best show in the world."

In language reminiscent of his ally Trump, he observes there were "zero incidents, zero hostility, zero violence, just joy, emotions, happiness, unity, and togetherness" and that "virtually all global celebrities from music, movies, entertainment, and sports attended."

The head of soccer's governing body, who Trump has supposedly earmarked as the next head of the United Nations, then attempts to gloss over various controversies. He asserts that "Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict" and that "countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas."

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He continues: "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."

Infantino then appears to defend the reversal of Balogun's red card as the type of decision that occurs regularly in other leagues. He states: "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 criticizing."

He then wraps up with a statement to his critics: "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."