The air in Luque, Paraguay, was thick with anticipation for the FIFA Congress, a critical gathering for the world’s football governing body. But the atmosphere soon soured. Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, was more than two hours late, his tardiness setting off a chain of events that exposed deep fissures within the organization. The reason? A diplomatic detour alongside former US President Donald Trump, a move that sparked a walkout led by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and ignited accusations of prioritizing political connections over football’s responsibilities. This controversy surrounding Infantino’s actions casts a shadow over FIFA’s leadership and raises questions about the future of international football governance, especially concerning the responsibilities of leaders within the sport. Was the delay justified, or did it represent a profound disregard for the FIFA Congress and its member associations? The incident serves as a stark reminder of the intersection of politics and sports at the highest levels.

Infantino’s late arrival, specifically two hours and 17 minutes after the scheduled 10:30 AM start, was attributed to a diplomatic tour of the Middle East accompanied by Donald Trump. Infantino defended his trip, stating it provided an opportunity to “represent football” in “important discussions” with “world leaders in politics and economy.” He framed the detour as a chance to promote the sport on a global stage, engaging with influential figures beyond the typical footballing circles.

However, this justification did little to quell the discontent brewing among some of FIFA’s most powerful constituents. During a break in the congress, Aleksander Ceferin, the UEFA president, orchestrated a walkout of European delegates. Debbie Hewitt, chair of the Football Association, joined in the protest, leaving a noticeable void in the Conmebol Convention Center in Luque. The empty seats served as a visual representation of the growing unease surrounding Infantino’s leadership and the direction of FIFA.

UEFA released a formal statement expressing their dismay. They described the “last-minute changes” to the timings as “deeply regrettable” but emphasized that “a point” had to be made. UEFA underscored the FIFA Congress as “one of the most important meetings in world football,” asserting that altering the schedule for “private political interests” “does the game no service and appears to put its interests second.” The statement concluded, “We are all in post to serve football, from the streets to the podium, and Uefa members of the Fifa council felt the need on this occasion to make a point that the game comes first and to leave as originally scheduled.”

Beyond UEFA, concerns rippled through other corners of the footballing world. Lise Klaveness, president of the Norwegian FA, voiced her concerns, stating, “The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football,” and calling the situation “concerning.” Notably, a number of delegates from Concacaf also chose to depart the congress prematurely, signaling broader dissatisfaction with the proceedings.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom attempted to alleviate the rising tensions. Grafstrom assured that “Fifa has an excellent relationship with Uefa and also with the European members,” and mentioned that “The president explained the reasons why he was delayed.”

The central question remains: Was representing football to world leaders a legitimate reason to delay the FIFA Congress? The counter-argument is that it undermined the importance of the Congress and disrespected member associations. This incident’s potential consequences, including damage to Infantino’s reputation and leadership within FIFA, are still uncertain.

Infantino’s delayed arrival at the FIFA Congress, triggered by his diplomatic tour with Donald Trump, has unleashed significant controversy and revealed potential rifts within FIFA. The UEFA-led walkout underscores the serious concerns about prioritizing political interests over football governance. While FIFA seeks to minimize the situation, this incident raises critical questions about leadership and respecting the global football community. The long-term effects of this episode on Infantino’s leadership and FIFA’s relationships with its member associations are yet to be seen, but the message sent by UEFA and other dissenting voices is clear: the integrity and importance of football must come first.