Late Arrival of Gianni Infantino at FIFA Congress Stirs Discontent at Paraguay Summit
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FIFA Chief Gianni Infantino's Trump-inspired tour stirred commotion at the FIFA Congress - Gilayani Infanti's meeting with Trump stirs up a commotion at the FIFA Congress
The grand reception mirrored that of a national leader, yet the protagonist, Gianni Infantino, strolled the red carpet as if no transgression had occurred. However, the FIFA president's tardiness in Paraguay, a folly overshadowed neither by charm nor experience, stirred controversy at the FIFA Congress.
In response to Infantino's behavior, the European council delegates, spearheaded by DFB president Bernd Neuendorf and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, collectively deserted the congress podium in Asunción, expressing their discontent.
Following the coffee break, the delegates refused to return to their designated seating. Initially, there were no public responses from UEFA or FIFA, though it was confirmed that the walkout was a coordinated action1.
Infantino's Justification for Delay
According to reports from the German Press Agency, Infantino's tardiness in Asunción was met with European delegates' scorn, due to his previous trip to the Middle East with US President Donald Trump. The assembly commenced over three hours late, with Infantino expressing regret for the delay1. He attributed his arrival's delay to "plane problems," a claim that was questionable given European delegates' prior annoyance at his unforeseen appearance on the day of the Congress2.
Infantino justified his actions by stating, "As the FIFA president, I am duty-bound to make decisions in the interest of the organization. I felt the need to be there to represent football and all of you."
Anger Preceding UEFA Action
Attendees at the Bourbon Asunción Convention Centre reportedly vented their frustration even before the UEFA walkout. Paraguayan President Santiago Pena welcomed Infantino as a friend of the country despite his absence at the traditional banquet the previous night1.
Infantino's Learjet, flying from Qatar, was still mid-air when the meeting was set to commence at 9:30 a.m. local time. The start time countdown on the FIFA homepage for the Congress was initially extended by an hour, eventually postponing the event for a total of three hours3.
Days prior to the Congress, debates raged regarding Infantino's visit to Saudi Arabia and Qatar with Trump. During the Congress preparations, Infantino participated in meetings with Trump rather than attending typical pre-Congress events2. Trump and Infantino had collaborated for months to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada2.
Accolades from Trump, Rebuke from Klaveness
During their meeting in the Middle East, Trump praised Infantino, declaring, "Great job, Gianni"3. However, many FIFA delegates in Paraguay did not share this sentiment. "It's essential that he is present when we are. This is our primary meeting point," Norwegian federation president Lise Klaveness said before the Congress2.
The Congress continued as planned, with enthusiastic applause. The lack of Europeans on stage was left unexplained, but Infantino reassured fans that the upcoming World Cup in America would be safe and issue-free amid concerns about Trump's restrictive policies2. FIFA announced financial records, totaling $13 billion in revenue for the 2023-2026 cycle, double the amount of the previous cycle ($6.5 billion/2019-2022)2.
This minimal delay, in the grand scheme of things, is likely insignificant for UEFA and other European football officials, who may yet question Infantino further regarding his priorities and commitment to timely governance.
- Gianni Infantino
- FIFA
- Donald Trump
- UEFA
- Paraguay
- Asuncion
- Bernd Neuendorf
- Aleksander Ceferin
- DFB
[Enrichment Insight]: Infantino's delay at the FIFA Congress in Paraguay was directly related to his tour with Donald Trump in the Middle East. The Congress was scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time but was postponed due to Infantino's late arrival from the Middle East, further complicated by a refueling stop in Nigeria.
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, given the concerns raised by UEFA and other European football officials regarding Gianni Infantino's priorities and commitment to timely governance.
- Despite the controversy surrounding Infantino's tardiness in Paraguay, he is still a renowned figure in global sports, often making headlines for his involvement in football leagues such as the European leagues and the Premier League.
- During the FIFA Congress in Asunción, sports analysts may have been eager to discuss the outcomes of European leagues, including the Premier League, had UEFA delegates remained present to provide updates and insights on these matters.
