FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced backlash after arriving late to an important FIFA Congress in Paraguay. His delay was due to a trip with former President Donald Trump, where he attended a state dinner hosted by Qatar’s emir. This decision to prioritize political engagements over FIFA events drew criticism from UEFA, European football’s governing body.
UEFA expressed disappointment over Infantino’s late arrival, which caused the start of the FIFA Congress to be postponed by several hours. They stated that the schedule changes were regrettable and emphasized that the Congress is a crucial event for all 211 member nations to discuss vital issues in football. UEFA’s statement highlighted their concern that Infantino’s actions seemed to prioritize personal political interests over the needs of the sport.
Infantino defended his trip by mentioning the significance of the U.S. hosting the 2026 World Cup and Saudi Arabia’s plans for the 2034 event. He explained to Congress attendees that he believed his presence at the dinner was important for football’s representation on a global stage. However, this justification did little to quell the frustration from UEFA and other football officials who felt that the integrity of the Congress was compromised.
The situation marks a notable shift in relations between Infantino and UEFA, which had improved in recent years. UEFA’s public rebuke underscores the tensions that can arise when football governance intersects with political interests. As the FIFA Congress is a key platform for discussing the future of the sport, many feel that such disruptions should be avoided to keep the focus on football itself.