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Uproar at the FIFA Congress: Infantino makes delegates wait for hours!
FIFA Congress in Asunción on May 15, 2025: Infantino causes scandal due to delay, protests from European delegates.
Uproar at the FIFA Congress: Infantino makes delegates wait for hours!
On May 15, 2025, hundreds of delegates gathered in Asunción, Paraguay for the FIFA Congress, which was overshadowed by an unexpected scandal. The meeting started over three hours late, which caused discontent and protests among those present. The reason for the delay was the late arrival of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who was returning from a trip to the Middle East where he held talks with US President Donald Trump.
The congress was originally scheduled to start at 9:30 a.m. local time, but was postponed to 12:30 p.m. Infantino arrived on a private jet that landed in Nigeria after a stopover. Upon his arrival, he apologized for the delay and stressed the importance of his political discussions related to the 2026 and 2034 World Cups. These last-minute changes to the schedule drew sharp criticism from delegates, particularly from UEFA, which felt they served Infantino's private political interests.
Protest and discontent among the delegates
Already at the beginning of the congress, numerous European delegates, including DFB President Bernd Neuendorf and UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, expressed their displeasure and left the podium in protest. Their boycott was perceived as a coordinated protest and underscored the divided opinions among delegates. A coffee break was scheduled after Infantino's speech, but many seats remained empty as the European delegates left the hall.
The Norwegian association head Lise Klaveness demanded an explanation from FIFA for the president's absence from important appointments and criticized Infantino's constant trips to Saudi Arabia and Qatar. According to Klaveness, it is disproportionate to the needs of football.
FIFA vice president criticizes delegates
In the midst of this scandal, FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani was critical of the delegates' reaction. He described the behavior as unhelpful and called for unity among members. However, dissatisfaction with the situation remained high, as many delegates felt that FIFA had not fulfilled its obligations.
Overall, this incident shows once again how political interests influence the processes of the international football organization. The DFB and UEFA agree that such delays and the handling of important issues can damage the reputation of football. The discussions about the future direction, especially with regard to the World Championships, will certainly become more heated in light of these events.