FIFA chief blasts critics ahead of World Cup in Qatar and accuses them of hypocrisy

FIFA President Gianni Infantino on Saturday derided Western critics of Qatar's human rights record and blasted their 'hypocrisy' during an opening news conference in Doha, Qatar, before the World Cup, which kicks off on Sunday. (Christopher Lee/Getty Images)

DOHA, Qatar — FIFA president Gianni Infantino used his opening press conference before the start of the monthlong World Cup to deliver a blistering tirade at the West for continued criticism of host country Qatar and its human rights record.

For an hour, Infantino lectured the international press assembled at the Qatar National Convention Centre and then took questions for 45 minutes. In lengthy, and at times angry remarks, Infantino blasted the criticism of Qatar and FIFA.