FIFA president's extraordinary online rant at World Cup critics

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has said critics of the World Cup were "consumed by hate", accusing them of spreading "false rumours" and obsessing over "strange disciplinary rulings".In an extraordinary and lengthy statement published on his own and FIFA's Instagram accounts on Monday, Mr Infantino said they "were so consumed by hate and criticism" that they missed all the "joy and happiness" the tournament brought. In the post, which appeared to be aimed at journalists, he contrasted "those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours", with his organisation, which delivered "the best show in the world". Image: President Donald Trump and FIFA's Gianni Infantino after the World Cup final. Pic: AP 'I saw the play. That wasn't a foul': Trump on red card controversy The tournament, hosted jointly by the US, Canada and Mexico, was the largest ever, featuring 48 teams and lasting more than five weeks, but was mired in controversy.Mr Infantino and FIFA were widely criticised for suspending US striker Folarin Balogun's automatic one-match ban after intervention from US President Donald Trump, while US visa restrictions affected supporters and offici...