UEFA delegates walked out of the FIFA Congress in Paraguay on Thursday after FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived late, causing significant disruption. Infantino’s delay, which stemmed from meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with U.S. President Donald Trump, resulted in a two-hour delay for the global meeting. Several representatives from European football associations, including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, decided to leave after Infantino called a recess during the event held in Luque, near Asuncion.
In response to the incident, UEFA issued a strong statement condemning Infantino’s actions, calling them “deeply regrettable.” UEFA criticized the FIFA President for prioritizing “private political interests” over the sport, noting that the FIFA Congress is one of the most important gatherings in world football, where representatives from all 211 nations discuss vital issues impacting the sport globally. UEFA expressed disappointment that the schedule was altered to accommodate Infantino’s interests, which they argued undermines the integrity of the sport.
Norwegian Football Federation President Lise Klaveness also voiced her concerns, labeling the situation as “disappointing and concerning.” In his defense, Infantino apologized for his tardiness, attributing it to flight issues. He emphasized the significance of his visits to Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which are hosting the 2022 and 2034 World Cups, respectively. Infantino explained that his presence in these meetings was crucial to represent football’s interests.
Despite the controversy, FIFA Secretary-General Mattias Grafstrom downplayed the issue, stating that Infantino had explained his reasons for the delay, and the congress proceeded without further problems. No major decisions were made during the meeting, though Alejandro Dominguez, head of CONMEBOL, discussed the preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez reiterated his controversial proposal to expand the tournament to 64 teams, though it has faced significant opposition from various global football leaders.
The FIFA Congress wrapped up without major resolutions, but the walkout by UEFA delegates left a strong impression on the attendees, highlighting tensions within the global football governance structure.
