FIFA President Gianni Infantino don fire back at critics wey dey attack World Cup, wey Spain win for United States, Canada, and Mexico. For one open letter wey e write on Monday, e say dem dey spread hate and false rumours, and dem miss di joy wey di tournament bring.
Infantino say: “You people wey dey behind your pens and papers, dey spread hate and false tins, while we for FIFA dey front line organise and deliver di best show for di world. We see no violence, no wahala, only joy and happiness.”
Di World Cup wey happen for United States, Canada, and Mexico bin get plenty wahala. Some people complain about US visa wey block some supporters and officials, especially from countries wey get war. Also, di suspension of one-match ban for US striker Folarin Balogun after Donald Trump waka enter matter cause controversy. Officiating for Argentina vs Egypt match for round of 16 also get plenty complaints, especially from Egypt coach Hossam Hassan.
But Infantino don respond to all dis criticisms. E say red and yellow cards wey dey controversial na normal tins for big leagues around di world. E yarn say: “E funny say di same countries wey dey practice dis tins na dem dey criticize us.”
Infantino also talk about di wahala wey Somali referee Omar Artan face. Him get valid visa but dem no allow am enter US. Di Iran team and staff also face travel restrictions from US government because of war between di two countries. However, Infantino say Iran enter US without any wahala. E say: “Iran team get visa because football na peace. Na no be politics.”
Dis letter from Infantino likely go bring more criticism and ridicule. People dey remember how e talk before di World Cup for Qatar: “Today I feel Qatari. Today I feel Arabic. Today I feel African. Today I feel gay. Today I feel disabled. Today I feel migrant worker.”
