Importance Score: 45 / 100 🔵
UEFA Accuses FIFA President Infantino of Prioritizing “Political Interests”
UEFA has levied a serious accusation against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, asserting that he is prioritizing “private political interests” over his duties to the sport of football. This sharp rebuke from European football’s governing body follows a walkout by several national delegates, including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and Football Association Chair Debbie Hewitt, during the annual FIFA congress earlier on Thursday. The delegates protested alterations to the meeting’s schedule, which were reportedly caused by Infantino’s late arrival after accompanying Donald Trump on a tour of Gulf states.
UEFA’s Strong Condemnation
In unusually forceful language, UEFA characterized the schedule changes as “deeply regrettable.”
The organization elaborated:
- “The FIFA congress is one of the most important meetings in global football.”
- “It is where all 211 nations gather to discuss vital topics impacting the sport worldwide.”
- “Our hosts, the Paraguay FA and Conmebol partners, invested significant effort to accommodate delegates and deserve our gratitude.”
UEFA expressed concern stating that altering the schedule at the last minute to seemingly accommodate private political interests diminishes the importance of the game and appears to place its interests in a secondary position.
Putting Football First
UEFA emphasized that all officials are appointed to serve football, from grassroots levels to the highest echelons. UEFA members of the FIFA council felt compelled to underscore the primacy of the sport and adhere to the originally planned departure schedule.
Infantino’s Middle East Trip
Prior to the congress, Infantino was in the Middle East with Trump visiting leaders from Qatar, the hosts of the 2022 World Cup, and Saudi Arabia, set to host the 2034 event. During a ceremony, Infantino observed Trump signing a golden football gifted by the Emir of Qatar.
Delayed Arrival and Apology
Due to flight delays from the Gulf to Asunción, Infantino arrived at the crucial annual meeting three hours behind schedule. He apologized multiple times during the event for his tardiness but maintained it was essential for him to represent football at those meetings. “As president of FIFA, my responsibility is to make decisions in the interests of the organization,” Infantino stated. “I felt that I needed to be there to represent football and all of you.”
Simmering Tensions Erupt
UEFA’s statement and criticism of Infantino potentially signal a significant division within football, bringing longstanding tensions to the forefront. European countries express frustration with FIFA’s governance under Infantino, feeling marginalized in an organization perceived to prioritize other interests. FIFA is increasingly viewed as a rival competition organizer in the club arena, and disagreements over the approach to human rights during the Qatar World Cup have intensified.
Klaveness’s Lone Voice
Until now, Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian Football Association, has been a solitary voice of dissent. She persistently questioned FIFA about remedies for migrant workers’ families in Qatar for two years and participated in the congress walkout on Thursday.
Call for Explanation
Klaveness described Infantino’s absence as “concerning,” adding: “I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we extend our apologies to the outstanding hosts in Paraguay. We now expect FIFA to clarify this situation to its members and ensure that member associations’ voices are heard and respected moving forward.”