One week after the World Cup final, FIFA President Gianni Infantino accused perceived critics of “spreading hate and false rumors” about the tournament.

In a 900-word statement published late Sunday as a 15-page post on his Instagram account and on FIFA’s website, Infantino said FIFA had “delivering the best show in the world” and said the World Cup brought “joy and togetherness.”

“Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” Infantino wrote, addressing “those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumors.”

During the tournament, FIFA and Infantino drew criticism over Iran team officials, a Somali referee and fans being denied entry to the United States; alleged political influence by U.S. President Donald Trump in allowing Folarin Balogun to avoid a ban for a red card; record-high ticket prices; and commercialized breaks in play midway through each half of all 104 games.

“Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe,” Infantino wrote. “While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate.”

“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.”

Infantino’s relationship with the media has become increasingly tense during the 11th year of his presidency, and the timing of the statement kept the spotlight on FIFA just as attention shifts from the final to scrutiny over how the tournament was run. His eve-of-tournament news conference in Mexico City was the first time he had met with a full gathering of international media since March 2023.

At the previous such news conference in Rwanda, after his reelection by acclaim from FIFA member federations, Infantino asked the audience: “Why are you so mean?” In Mexico City last month, he suggested critics should “chill, relax.”

He is also facing scrutiny from some in the U.S. Congress. Rep. Jamie Raskin of Maryland, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, sent Infantino a letter on Sunday seeking documents detailing ties between FIFA and the Trump administration. A FIFA representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the letter.

Iran’s ability to play at least three games in the U.S. was a major pre-tournament issue, and the team later switched its training camp from Tucson, Arizona, to Tijuana, Mexico.

“Iran entered the United States without incident or conflict,” Infantino said in his statement. “While you spread hatred, we worked tirelessly to unite two countries at war.”

Fans denied visas to enter the U.S. included Michel Nkuka Mboladinga, the well-known statue supporter of Congo, which was dealing with an Ebola virus outbreak. He attended one game in Mexico.

“You mentioned the few people denied visas and overlooked the millions who were approved, from all parts of the world,” Infantino wrote. “Countries facing serious health issues or other challenges were granted visas.”

On the fallout from the red card for U.S. forward Balogun, Infantino said “subsequent decisions not to ban players in certain situations are routine.” FIFA did not overturn Balogun’s red card, which can happen in domestic club competitions, but instead took the more unusual step of deferring the one-game ban for a probationary period. FIFA has not yet published the written verdict of its disciplinary judge.

“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,” Infantino wrote.

He ended the statement: “Much love to all.”

Associated Press writer Seung Min Kim in Washington contributed to this report.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com