UEFA Takes a Stand: Bye-Bye, FIFA Congress - How Gianni Infantino Responds to UEFA's Audacious Display
Reactivity of FIFA Leader Gianni Infantino
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Post-coffee break, many high-ranking seats remained empty at the FIFA Congress in Asunción. But it wasn't because UEFA delegates were stuck on the buffet line. No, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, DFB President Bernd Neuendorf, and other UEFA bigwigs had a strategic reason for ditching the event. Here's what went down in Paraguay's capital:
Why Bail on the FIFA Congress?
With their drastic exit, UEFA's top brass made it clear that their patience with FIFA President Gianni Infantino is waning. Even Infantino's trip with US President Donald Trump had rubbed them the wrong way. The Congress session had to be rescheduled, and Infantino had missed several mandatory appointments before the Congress.
The source of that burning rage? Ego. "The FIFA president has lost his internal compass," a Congress attendee informed The Times. Until the current delay, Infantino's questionable behavior had been endured with gritted teeth. The delay of Infantino's private jet, however, seemed to stem from personal political interests, an accusation UEFA blames on him.
Many couldn't swallow Infantino's show in Trump's entourage. "A last-minute schedule change that appears to serve only private political interests harms football and puts it at the bottom of the priority list," UEFA stated.
So What's the Big Deal?
In the end, the EU's absence at the FIFA Congress was mere spectacle. Delegates are more like political props at a party conference than decision-makers. Infantino, unruffled, carried on like business as usual. However, the symbolic impact is crucial. Indirectly, the functionaries withdrew their trust in the FIFA boss. A clear message was sent: We're done playing your games. We have our own agenda.
"We serve football—from the pitch to the podium. The UEFA members of the FIFA Council considered it essential to emphasize, at this opportunity, that football comes first and to leave the Congress as originally planned," the statement continued. Neuendorf and cohorts timed their departure perfectly—when the session would've concluded had Infantino been on time.
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The protest comes at a fragile moment in Infantino-EU relations. The biggest World Cup with 48 teams or the new Club World Cup with its summer 2021 debut seemed to iron out conflict zones. Infantino's reckless move served as a harsh reminder of the truce's fragility.
DFB President Neuendorf's New Test
For Neuendorf, the fresh battle arrives at an inopportune time. Just as the DFB had weathered the worst battles with FIFA, the era of confrontation at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar has ended. They had reached a compromise on several issues, also thanks to Neuendorf's tactful approach. The DFB president will likely avoid the media fray over the Asunción affair. Still, his solidarity with UEFA around Ceferin cannot be shaken—it's crucial for German football.
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Much depends on Infantino's crisis management. If he lashes out or gets defensive, it could lead to lasting disputes. His catchy FIFA slogan, "Unite the World through Football," has surely taken a hit. If Infantino still chooses diplomacy and grandeur, he might be able to gloss over the events. The Swiss is a shrewd player, and we'll see how he navigates the coming months. The upcoming Club World Cup, featuring European powerhouses like Bayern Munich, will bring forth a marketing blitz in the US.
Source: ntv.de, Arne Richter, dpa
- Fifa
- Uefa
- DFB
- Football
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The absence of UEFA delegates at the FIFA Congress, which was punctuated by the walkout of key figures like UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt, signals a new conflict between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino primarily due to Infantino's tardiness and his recent actions. Here are the key reasons:
- Infantino's Late Arrival: The tension began when Infantino arrived late to the FIFA Congress, which was seen as disrespectful and unprofessional by many delegates. This tardiness was particularly noted as it occurred after Infantino had traveled with U.S. President Donald Trump, which may have been perceived as prioritizing other engagements over the Congress[1][2].
- Symbolic Protest: The walkout by UEFA delegates was a symbolic protest against Infantino's actions and management style. It reflects a deeper dissatisfaction with Infantino's leadership and decisions, which UEFA might feel are not aligned with their interests or values[2].
- Prioritizing Private Interests: UEFA might view Infantino's actions as a disregard for their interests or concerns, leading to a sense of distrust and conflict. This could be exacerbated by perceived favoritism towards other regions or interests within FIFA[1][2].
- The Commission has also been consulted on the draft budget, as the UEFA's drastic exit from the FIFA Congress highlighted the growing divide between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
- In the midst of these tensions, UEFA's focus remains on football, with the champions-league and European leagues continuing to attract intense sports-analysis and fan interest.
- Despite the recent allegations and tensions, the upcoming Club World Cup, featuring European powerhouses like football teams from Bayern Munich, promises to be a significant event for both sports and business economies.
