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Infantino Faces UEFA Backlash After Late Arrival Delays FIFA Congress

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's decision to prioritize a Middle East trip with President Trump led to a three-hour delay, prompting a European walkout and formal criticism.

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

  • Gianni Infantino arrived three hours late to the 75th FIFA Congress in Paraguay after accompanying U.S. President Donald Trump on state visits to Saudi Arabia and Qatar.
  • European FIFA Council members, including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, staged an unprecedented walkout in protest of the delay and Infantino's prioritization of political engagements.
  • UEFA issued a formal statement condemning the last-minute schedule changes, accusing Infantino of prioritizing private political interests over FIFA's governance responsibilities.
  • Infantino apologized for the delay, attributing it to flight issues and defending his trip as necessary to represent football in discussions with world leaders.
  • The incident highlights growing tensions over FIFA's governance, with European delegates criticizing Infantino's leadership and calling for greater accountability.