Uefa has accused Fifa President Gianni Infantino of prioritizing his personal political interests over his duties to football. The accusation follows Infantino’s late arrival at the Fifa Congress after accompanying former U.S. President Donald Trump on a diplomatic tour of Gulf states.
Delegates Walk Out in Protest
The controversy began when several key delegates, including Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin and Football Association Chair Debbie Hewitt, walked out of the Fifa congress. The walkout was in protest at changes to the congress schedule, which were caused by Infantino’s delayed arrival. His delay was due to a trip with Trump to meet leaders from Qatar and Saudi Arabia, two countries with significant ties to global football.
Uefa’s statement was unusually strong, condemning the schedule change as “deeply regrettable.” The governing body emphasized the importance of the Fifa Congress, a key event where representatives from 211 nations meet to discuss critical issues affecting the sport worldwide. “To change the timetable at the last minute for what seems to be personal political reasons does a disservice to football,” Uefa said. It added that such actions were a violation of the game’s best interests.
Infantino Defends His Actions
Infantino, who had been traveling with Trump in the Middle East, explained his tardiness by stating that he had a responsibility to represent football at the congress. Despite arriving three hours late, Infantino apologized multiple times during the event. He defended his actions, saying, “As president of Fifa, my responsibility is to make decisions in the interests of the organization. I felt I needed to be there to represent football and all of you.”
Tensions Between Uefa and Fifa
The situation highlights growing tensions between European football officials and Fifa under Infantino’s leadership. European countries have voiced frustration with Fifa’s governance, feeling sidelined in decision-making processes. The disagreement over the approach to human rights issues during the Qatar World Cup has also fueled discontent.
Norwegian Football Association President Lise Klaveness, a vocal critic of Fifa’s handling of migrant workers’ rights in Qatar, also joined the walkout. She expressed concern about Infantino’s absence, calling it a sign of the deeper frustrations within Fifa. “We expect Fifa to address this situation and ensure that member associations’ voices are respected moving forward,” she said.
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