UEFA has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of putting “private political interests” ahead of football after he arrived over two hours late to FIFA’s own congress in Paraguay.
Infantino had been on a diplomatic tour of the Middle East with former U.S. President Donald Trump before the event. The congress was scheduled to start at 10:30 local time (14:30 BST), but Infantino only appeared at 12:47.
He defended the delay, saying his trip allowed him to “represent football” in “important discussions” with global political and economic leaders.
In protest, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin led a walkout during a break, joined by FA Chair Debbie Hewitt and other European delegates. When the meeting resumed, large sections of seats were visibly empty at the CONMEBOL Convention Center near Asunción.
UEFA called the last-minute schedule change “deeply regrettable” but said they had to take a stand.
“The FIFA Congress is a crucial meeting for world football, where all 211 member nations discuss the sport’s future,” UEFA said in a statement. “Changing the timetable last minute—seemingly to accommodate private political interests—harms the game and suggests it’s not the priority.”
Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness also criticized the situation, saying: “The congress is vital for good governance in football. Member associations traveled here expecting professional leadership—this is concerning.”
Several CONCACAF delegates also left early. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström downplayed tensions, insisting FIFA has a “great relationship” with UEFA and that Infantino’s delay was due to “important matters.”
Related topics:
- Clubs Demand Stronger Crackdown on Pyro as Flare Use Grows in Scottish Football
- Bert Church Standouts Sign with B.C. Teams in Canadian Junior Football League
- Football NSW Unveils First-of-Its-Kind Mentoring Program for Female Referees
