The Show Must Go On (Or Did It?): Gianni Infantino's Late Arrival Sparks Outrage at FIFA Congress
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FIFA Congress Outrage over Gianni Infantino's Trump Meeting Tour - Trump's Visit to FIFA Congress, Accompanied by Gianni Infantino, Stirs Up Excitement
The grand entrance wasn't as grand as expected when Gianni Infantino waltzed in, late as a cat to a church meeting. His tardiness in Paraguay - a misspent three hours for the FIFA president - couldn't be brushed off with a sprinkle of charm or a cloak of experience.
In reply to Infantino's gaffe, the European council reps led by Bernd Neuendorf, the DFB chief, and the mighty Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, staged a walkout, abandoning the congress podium in Asunción like a petulant kid refusing to play.
Post-coffee break, the absentees didn't return to their designated seats. The silence was deafening, or at least it would've been if FIFA hadn't remained mum on the matter. However, it was confirmed that the drama was staged, orchestrated, if you will.
The Late Show Explanation
According to reports from the German Press Agency, the European crew protested Infantino's disrespectful behavior, which included his tardy arrival in Asunción following his highly criticized trip to the Middle East with US President Donald Trump. The congress drama commenced more than three hours after schedule. Infantino eventually apologized for the delay but managed to preside over the general assembly smoothly.
"I was experiencing 'problems' with my plane," Infantino explained his tardiness. However, it seemed that his justification was as thin as a sheet of tissue paper. Many delegates were already peeved that he had only graced them with his presence on the day of the congress, a fact that likely contributed to Ceferin, Neuendorf, and company's unprecedented walkout in terms of protocol.
Infantino's defense of his actions was straightforward. He had accompanied Trump to Saudi Arabia and Qatar to discuss World Cup matters. "As FIFA president, it is my responsibility to make decisions in the interest of the organization," Infantino said. "I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," he added.
Disgruntled Before the Drama
Delegates at the Bourbon Asunción Convention Centre were livid even before the UEFA walkout. On the other hand, Paraguay's President Santiago Pena graciously welcomed Infantino, despite his absence at the usual banquet the night before.
Infantino's jet from Qatar was still in the air when the meeting was supposed to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time. Initially, the countdown on the FIFA homepage for the congress start was extended by one hour, then the clock ticked down a total of three hours longer.
Recent days had been a rollercoaster of emotions regarding Infantino's trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The world association chief had attended meetings with Trump instead of visiting events prior to the FIFA Congress, as is customary. Trump and Infantino had been meeting frequently in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Praise from Trump, Criticism from Klaveness
"Great job, Gianni," Trump called out to Infantino during a meeting on the trip, as heard in a video. Many FIFA delegates in Paraguay didn't share this sentiment. "It's important that he's present on the days we're present. This is the most important meeting for us," Norwegian federation chief Lise Klaveness said before the congress.
The event proceeded as planned, with much applause. The absence of the Europeans on stage went unmentioned. Infantino promised a trouble-free World Cup in America, while concerns about Trump's rigid policies were brushed aside. Financially, FIFA announced record revenues: $13 billion for the 2023-2026 cycle, a doubling of the previous cycle's $6.5 billion. A delay of a few hours in that context seemed almost negligible. European football officials, though, are likely to question Infantino further.
- Gianni Infantino
- FIFA
- Donald Trump
- UEFA
- Paraguay
- Asunción
- Bernd Neuendorf
- Aleksander Ceferin
- DFB
Insights:
- Infantino's late arrival caused the FIFA Congress to be delayed by more than two hours, impacting scheduled opportunities for delegates to connect with FIFA officials[1][2].
- Some delegates, notably from UEFA and the German Football Association, were dissatisfied with Infantino's conduct, perceiving the delay and his prioritization of meetings with Donald Trump over the scheduled congress as disrespectful and disruptive[1][2][3].
- The Commission might also be prompted to propose a directive for the protection of the environment, considering the impact of football and other sports on European leagues, such as the Premier League, and global sports analysis.
- In the midst of this FIFA drama, Gianni Infantino's trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar for discussions related to sports, specifically football, and World Cup matters continued to stir controversy.
- After the FIFA Congress, European football officials are likely to question Gianni Infantino further on matters concerning their protocol, respect, and engagement beyond sports discussions.
