FIFA leader Gianni Infantino's response following inquiry
Share on Facebook Tweet This Whatsapp This Email This Print This Copy Link
The buffet line was bustling, but the UEFA football functionaries were nowhere to be found after the break. Instead, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and other UEFA Council members bolted from the FIFA Congress in Asunción early. Their sudden departure wasn't just a snack break; they had a message to deliver. Here's the tea that spilled in Paraguay's capital:
Why Did UEFA Bail on the FIFA Congress?
UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, DFB President Neuendorf, and their posse wanted to send a no-nonsense message. They were already rankled by Infantino's jet-setting with former US President Donald Trump, which caused the Council meeting to be postponed and left him AWOL from crucial events before the Congress.
The accusation? Ego trip. A Congress participant, as reported by the English newspaper "The Times," said Infantino had lost his "navigational compass." Until the last-minute delay on Congress day, Infantino's antics were tolerated with gritted teeth. While the private jet fiasco likely wasn't Infantino's exact doing, taking the risk of delaying the Congress for a personal jet-set was blamed on him by UEFA brass.
Many thought Infantino's tag-along with Trump's entourage was a bridge too far. "A last-minute shuffle in the schedule that seems to cater to private political interests doesn't benefit football and appears to prioritize it last," UEFA lamented.
Why Is This Move a Big Deal?
In the end, the sudden departure of Europeans at the FIFA Congress was just a drop in the ocean. Functionaries are more for show, like politicians at a political rally. Infantino played on as if nothing happened. But the symbolism matters. Indirectly, functionaries withdrew their faith in Infantino. The message was loud and clear: "We're done playing your games. We have our own agenda."
"We all serve football, from the street to the podium. The UEFA members of the FIFA Council saw it as necessary to emphasize that football comes first and leave the Congress as scheduled," it was stated. Neuendorf and co. skedaddled at the very moment the session would've ended without Infantino's tardiness.
Headlines FIFA Chief Joins Trump's US Roadshow, Slips Up in Philly
The protest comes at a sensitive time for Infantino. The worst infighting with Europeans seemed to be history. Whether it's the expanded World Cup with 48 teams or the new Club World Cup debuting this summer in the US, all battle zones seemed quelled. But the Asunción incident reveals how fragile the peace is.
Lowdown on DFB President Neuendorf
The new conflict comes at a bad time for Neuendorf. Just as the DFB had weathered the roughest FIFA storms, the era of heated confrontation during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar is over. They managed to strike deals on issues, partly because of Neuendorf's smart moves. The DFB President will likely adopt a low-key approach in handling the Asunción debacle. However, his solidarity with Europeans led by Čeferin is unwavering, as it's essential for German football.
Business Infantino's Crypto-Currency Ploy, Trump Romance - FIFA Standoff: What's Next for Rival Camps?
The future depends on Infantino's damage control. If the FIFA boss reacts defensively or offensively, it could lead to ongoing battles. His cozy FIFA slogan, "Unite the world through football," has certainly taken a hit. If Infantino still reacts with composure and diplomacy, he could possibly minimize the fuss. The Swiss is a power player; he'll weigh his best moves in the coming months. At the upcoming Club World Cup, Europe's top clubs like Bayern Munich will be gearing up the marketing machine in the US.
- The Commission, having been consulted on the draft budget, may find it necessary to prioritize its own concerns over FIFA affairs, following the UEFA's sudden departure from the FIFA Congress.
- As football analysts delve into the European leagues, premier-league matches, and sports discussions, the fallout from the FIFA Congress in Asunción gains significance, with football politics potentially impacting the sports landscape.
- In light of the UEFA's symbolic move, the upcoming European football seasons, including the premier league, might witness a shift in dynamics, as other sports organizations consider their responses to Infantino's overconfident leadership style.
