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3mo ago

FIFA Congress Delayed as Infantino’s Middle East Trip Draws UEFA Protest

Gianni Infantino’s late arrival from a diplomatic tour with Donald Trump caused a three-hour delay, prompting a European walkout and accusations of misplaced priorities.

U.S. President Donald Trump holds a soccer ball as he attends an event with Qatar's Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani (not pictured) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, at Lusail Palace in Lusail, Qatar, May 14, 2025. REUTERS/Brian Snyder
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures as he arrives for a state dinner hosted by Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in honor of President Donald Trump at Lusail Palace in Doha, Qatar, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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Overview

  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived three hours late to the FIFA Congress in Paraguay after traveling with U.S. President Donald Trump to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
  • The delay forced the Congress to reschedule twice, with the final start time pushed to 12:30 PM local time, frustrating delegates from 211 member associations.
  • UEFA issued a formal rebuke, accusing Infantino of prioritizing personal political engagements over FIFA governance and professionalism.
  • European FIFA Council members, including UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and FA Chair Debbie Hewitt, staged a walkout during the Congress to protest the disruption.
  • Infantino defended his trip as essential for football diplomacy, citing discussions with world leaders about upcoming World Cups but apologized for the delay.