Late Arrival of Gianni Infantino at FIFA Congress Sparks Outrage Among European Officials
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FIFA Congress Stirred by Gianni Infantino's Visit to President Trump, Sparking Controversy - Trump's Visit with Gianni Infantino Creates a Stir at the FIFA Congress
In Paraguay, Gianni Infantino strolled down the red carpet like a seasoned pro, but his tardiness at the FIFA Congress left a foul taste. His lateness, compounded by his controversial journey with US President Donald Trump, was a decision he couldn't sweep under the rug, not even with his charm or years of experience.
In response to Infantino's behavior, a group of European council delegates led by Bernd Neuendorf, DFB president, and Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA president, collectively stormed off the congress stage in Asunción.
Following the coffee break, there was a noticeable vacancy on the stage. Initially, there was no response from UEFA or FIFA. However, it was soon confirmed that the absence was indeed a coordinated action.
Infantino's Justification for Delay
According to reports from the German Press Agency, European officials were displeased with Infantino's behavior. His tardiness in Asunción was a result of his already criticized trip to the Middle East with Donald Trump. The congress commenced over three hours late. Infantino issued an apology for the delay but carried on with the general assembly as usual.
He explained his lateness as being due to flight issues. However, many delegates were already displeased that Infantino hadn't made it to the congress until the day itself, a factor that likely contributed to Ceferin, Neuendorf, and the others' unusual protest.
Infantino defended his actions, stating, "As FIFA president, it is my responsibility to make decisions in the interest of the organization." He further claimed, "I felt that I had to be there to represent football and all of you."
Unhappiness Before UEFA's Action
Delegates at the Bourbon Asunción Convention Centre reportedly reacted angrily even before the UEFA boycott. Infantino was warmly greeted by Paraguay's President Santiago Pena, despite his absence at the usual banquet the previous evening.
Infantino's plane, which had departed from Qatar, was still in the air when the meeting was scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. local time. The expected start time on the FIFA website for the congress was eventually extended by one hour, then continued for a total of three hours beyond the original schedule.
There had been quite the stir in recent days about Infantino's trip to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. The world association chairman had opted to participate in meetings with Trump instead of attending usual events before the FIFA Congress. Trump and Infantino had several meetings in preparation for the 2026 World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada.
Acclaim from Trump, Criticism from Klaveness
"Great job, Gianni," Trump was heard saying in Infantino's direction during their meet, as captured on video. Many FIFA delegates in Paraguay didn't share this sentiment. Norwegian federation chief Lise Klaveness voiced her opinion prior to the congress, stating, "It's important that he's present on the days we're present. That's the most important meeting point for us."
The Congress proceeded as planned with much applause, with the UEFA officials' absence on stage unmentioned. Infantino promised a safe and peaceful World Cup in America, reassuring everyone that there was no reason to worry about Trump's stringent policies. In financial terms, the world governing body announced record revenue for the 2023-2026 cycle, doubling the revenue from the previous cycle (2019-2022) to 13 billion dollars. The significance of a few hours' delay in this regard remains to be seen. European football officials are likely to question Infantino about this.
- Gianni Infantino
- FIFA
- Donald Trump
- UEFA
- Paraguay
- Asunción
- Bernd Neuendorf
- Aleksander Ceferin
- DFB
- Lise Klaveness
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the protection of the environment, as the late arrival of Gianni Infantino at FIFA Congress and his controversial journey with US President Donald Trump have raised concerns about FIFA's policies and legislations, falling under the category of general news.
- In light of the recent controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino's actions, the politics of international football have become a topic of discussion, with European officials such as Bernd Neuendorf and Aleksander Ceferin taking a stand against Infantino's behavior.
- The late departure of Gianni Infantino from the FIFA Congress in Paraguay is not just a sports issue, but also has implications for the broader world of policy-and-legislation and politics, sparking debate among football fans and analysts, including those following the European leagues and Champions League.
- While the football world is excited about the upcoming Champions League matches and the 2026 World Cup, the controversy surrounding Gianni Infantino and his recent actions have cast a shadow over the proceedings, with Norwegian federation chief Lise Klaveness voicing her concerns, and European football officials likely to question Infantino about the delay.
