FIFA Congress Delayed by Infantino's Late Arrival Sparks Walkout by European Delegates
FIFA's annual meeting faced a shakeup when President Gianni Infantino arrived more than two hours late, causing disruption and prompting a walkout by several European football associations, including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin. The last-minute delay, allegedly due to private political interests, was harshly criticized by UEFA, who accused Infantino of putting these interests ahead of the sport[1].
European representatives, frustrated by the unfair postponement, cut their attendance short. UEFA issued a strongly worded statement, likening the disruption caused by Infantino's tardiness to a disservice to the sport itself. UEFA members of the FIFA Council felt compelled to make a statement, emphasizing that the game comes first[1].
In a statement, Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness described the incident as "disappointing and concerning." Meanwhile, Infantino issued an apology for his delay, attributing it to flight issues. He emphasized the importance of attending meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups[2].
Infantino's visit to the Gulf included accompaniment by former US President Donald Trump, who he visited last week at the White House[2]. As the United States gears up to host numerous FIFA events, including next month's inaugural Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, fixtures in 2031 include the Women's World Cup[2].
FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to comment on Infantino's late arrival after the meeting, stating only that Infantino had crucial matters to discuss and the Congress was overall a success[3].
Thursday's meeting concluded with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, head of South American federation CONMEBOL, used the opportunity to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has proposed expanding the tournament from 48 to 64 teams, expressed his belief that "no one" should be left out of the centennial celebration[4].
However, his proposal, which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay, while the majority would remain in Spain, Morocco, and Portugal, has faced stiff opposition throughout the football world[4]. The presidents of the leading football bodies in Europe, Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all expressed opposition to expansion[4]. Dominguez eloquently appealed for reflection and a joint effort to create something worthy of history[4].
1: FIFA President Infantino’s tardiness prompts European walkout at annual meeting2:Infantino Apologizes for Late Arrival at FIFA Meeting3: Infantino's Late arrival at annual meeting causing CONTROVERSY4: World Cup Centennial Proposal Faces Opposition
1: UEFA, along with several European football associations, walked out of the annual FIFA meeting due to President Gianni Infantino's late arrival, which was allegedly due to private political interests.
2: Infantino, after his delayed arrival, issued an apology for the inconvenience, citing flight issues as the cause, but also emphasizing the importance of meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively.
3: As the United States prepares to host numerous FIFA events, including the upcoming Club World Cup and the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico, fixtures in 2031 include the Women's World Cup. Infantino visited former US President Donald Trump during his visit to the Gulf.
4: FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to comment on Infantino's late arrival, while Alejandro Dominguez, head of South American federation CONMEBOL, proposed expanding the 2030 World Cup from 48 to 64 teams. However, this proposal has faced opposition from leading football bodies in Europe, Asia, Central America, the Caribbean, and North America.
