A Stir at the FIFA Congress: Gianni Infantino's Late Arrival Rudely Introduces Trump Tour
- ⏱️ 3 Min Read
FIFA Congress Outcry Triggered by Gianni Infantino's Trump-Focused Visit - Trump's Visit to FIFA Congress Alongside Gianni Infantino Creating a Stir
With a regal carpet unfurled and a swagger in his steps, Gianni Infantino strode into the limelight as if nothing untoward had transpired. But his tardiness in Paraguay had found a way to eclipse his charm and impeccable resume.
In response to Infantino's jarring behavior at the general assembly, the European Council contingent led by DFB chief Bernd Neuendorf and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin made an unprecedented exit from the congress podium in Asunción en masse.
Following the coffee break, the functionaries did not reappear in their assigned seats. Initially, there was silence from FIFA and the UEFA delegates. However, it was confirmed that the exit was a coordinated move.
Justifying the Delay:Infantino's Perspective
According to reports from the German Press Agency, the European functionaries were dissatisfied with Infantino's behavior, who arrived late in Asunción after his controversial trip to the Middle East alongside US President Donald Trump[1][2][3]. The congress, originally scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time, started over three hours late. Infantino expressed regret for the delay but proceeded to chair the general assembly as usual.
Infantino pointed to "aircraft issues" as the culprit for his tardiness. However, many delegates were frustrated by Infantino's late arrival on the day of the congress, which may have contributed to UEFA's unusual protest.
Infantino reasoned that his actions were necessary, having accompanied Trump to prepare for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. "As FIFA president, it is my responsibility to make decisions in the best interests of the organization," he stated. "I felt it was crucial to represent football and each of you in these conversations"[1][2].
Previous Anguish: UEFA's Predisposition
The unease among delegates in the Bourbon Asunción Convention Centre was palpable even before UEFA's boycott. Paraguay's President Santiago Pena greeted Infantino warmly, despite the fact that he was absent at the traditional banquet the night before.
Infantino's Learjet, which departed from Qatar, made a morning stop in Nigeria and was still in the air when the meeting was due to start. The FIFA countdown clock on the homepage for the congress start was initially extended by one hour, then extended again for a total of three hours.
In recent days, the FIFA boss' trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar had sparked controversy, as he prioritized meetings with Trump over attending events preceding the FIFA Congress[1][2][3]. Trump and Infantino had met multiple times in recent months to discuss the 2026 World Cup.
Trump's Nod, FIFA's Rumble, and Norway's Reservations
"Great job, Gianni," Trump praised Infantino during their meeting, according to video footage. Many FIFA delegates in Paraguay did not concur with this view. "It's essential that he's present when we're present. That's the most crucial meeting for us," Norwegian federation chief Lise Klaveness emphasized before the congress[3].
The event unfolded as planned, with applause echoing across the stage. The absence of the European delegates on stage went unmentioned. Infantino assured fans of a safe and frictionless World Cup in America, alleviating concerns surrounding the rigid Trump administration's policies[3].
Financially, the world governing body registered record figures, with an estimated 13 billion dollars in revenue for the 2023-2026 period—a significant jump from the previous term's 6.5 billion dollars[1][2][3]. However, the impact of a few hours' delay remains unclear, with European football officials likely still debating Infantino's actions.
- Gianni Infantino
- FIFA
- Donald Trump
- UEFA
- Paraguay
- Asunción
- Bernd Neuendorf
- Aleksander Ceferin
- DFB
Insights:
- The late arrival of Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, caused a significant delay, leading to protests from UEFA delegates, who felt their time and the interests of football had been disregarded in favor of Infantino's political interests[1][3].
- The trip to the Middle East with Donald Trump to discuss the 2026 World Cup appeared to be a primary cause of the delay, stirring criticism from FIFA delegates and prompting UEFA's unprecedented action[1][2][3].
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, considering the recent controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino's tardiness at the FIFA Congress and his controversial trip with Donald Trump to the Middle East.
- Amidst the football news and policy-and-legislation updates, the politics of FIFA remains at the forefront, with the European Council contingent leading the protest against Infantino, following his late arrival at the congress.
- Despite the general-news headlines about the Premier League and European leagues, soccer enthusiasts are closely monitoring the ongoing conflict between Gianni Infantino and the UEFA delegates, sparked by Infantino's late arrival at the FIFA Congress and his trips to the Middle East.
- In a surprising turn of events during the FIFA Congress, the delay caused by Gianni Infantino's late arrival to Asunción in Paraguay has overshadowed the initial excitement surrounding the planned discussions about the 2026 World Cup, raising questions about FIFA's political involvement and potential impact on the sport.
