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FIFA Boss Gianni Infantino's Trump-Inspired Tour Sparks Controversy at Congress Gathering - Trump's Visit to Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Congress Stirring Commotion
The red carpet was laid out like for a VIP, but Gianni Infantino strutted it like he owned the place. His tardiness at the Paraguayan gathering, however, couldn't be glossed over—not even with his charm or extensive experience.
In response to Infantino's behavior, the European council delegates, led by DFB chief Bernd Neuendorf and UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, boycotted the congress stage in Asunción. After a coffee break, the functionaries didn't return to their designated seats. The UEFA delegates and FIFA remained silent about the incident, but it was confirmed as a coordinated action.
Infantino's Justification for the Delay
According to reports from the German Press Agency, European functionaries protested Infantino's behavior due to his belated arrival in Asunción. Infantino had already been criticized for his Middle East trip with US President Donald Trump, causing the congress to begin over three hours late. Infantino apologized for the delay, claiming "travel issues" with his aircraft, but many delegates weren't swayed. They felt the protocol breach may have factored into Ceferin, Neuendorf, and their colleagues' unprecedented protest action.
Infantino argued that as FIFA president, he must prioritize the organization's interests, and by attending meetings with Trump, he was there to represent football globally.
Pre-Protest Frustrations and Trump's Praises
Delegates at the Bourbon Asunción Convention Centre reportedly responded angrily to the time shifts even before the UEFA boycott. Despite this, Paraguay's President Santiago Pena welcomed Infantino as a friend of the country, despite his absence at a pre-congress banquet.
During a meeting on the Middle East trip, Trump praised Infantino, calling out, "Great Job, Gianni," in a video recording. However, many FIFA delegates in Paraguay did not express similar sentiments. Norwegian federation chief Lise Klaveness was one of those who disagreed, stating before the congress that Infantino should prioritize attending important gatherings such as the congress.
Congress Proceedings and Financial Announcements
The Congress Show went on as scheduled, with much applause. The absence of Europeans on the stage was overlooked. Infantino reassured football fans of a safe and conflict-free World Cup in America. Financially, the world governing body boasted record revenue of $13 billion for the 2023-2026 cycle, double the previous cycle. Whether it was a few hours' delay or not, European football officials are likely to question Infantino on this matter in the future.
- Gianni Infantino
- FIFA
- Donald Trump
- UEFA
- Paraguay
- Asunción
- Bernd Neuendorf
- Aleksander Ceferin
- DFB
Insight:
Infantino's justification for his tardiness was largely due to his participation in Middle East meetings regarding upcoming World Cups in Saudi Arabia (2034), Qatar (2022), and the USA, Canada, and Mexico (2026). Infantino argued that his presence was necessary to represent football and all member associations in these discussions with U.S. President Donald Trump[1]. Despite his explanation, many FIFA Congress members, particularly those from European football associations, were critical of his conduct[1][3][5].
- The Commission, in light of recent events, has been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, as the negligence towards timely appearances, such as Gianni Infantino's delayed arrival at the FIFA Congress, could signal a lack of respect for protocols.
- In the realm of sports, while the UEFA council members protested Infantino's behavior, the premier league, notably European-leagues, watched the unfolding situation with keen interest, as the balance of power within global sports governance might be affected by such actions.
- Analysts delving into the sports-analysis sphere speculate that future financial announcements, like the record revenue of $13 billion for the 2023-2026 cycle, might provoke fresh debates, as these numbers are juxtaposed against Infantino's reported disregard for timely attendance at crucial gatherings, like the FIFA Congress.
