Infantino Faces Scrutiny Over Trip with Trump

Gianni Infantino is under pressure this week to clarify his recent trip to the Bay alongside Donald Trump, as major critics challenge FIFA’s governance. Human Rights Watch has criticized Infantino’s journey—which involved accompanying the U.S. president to Qatar and Saudi Arabia—pointing out that his absence from crucial meetings during FIFA’s annual conference signals a troubling lack of accountability at the highest levels of international football.

On Thursday, European representatives expressed their frustration by walking out of Paraguay’s parliament after Infantino arrived late, suggesting that UEFA has, perhaps unintentionally, enabled his preference for Gulf engagements over other responsibilities.

Minky Warden, the director of Human Rights Watch’s Global Initiative, emphasized the need for a thorough explanation regarding Infantino’s trip, questioning its impact on both football and human rights. Warden stated, “FIFA lacks a meaningful accountability system. This failure is key to why FIFA has lost its social license. Instead of addressing the harmful policies of the Trump administration, Infantino has seemingly aligned himself with it. In terms of accountability, a Pope Conclave fares better than Congress.”

Though UEFA made a brief, pointed statement on Friday, it hinted at existing tensions. Insiders noted that executives felt neglected, with one senior figure analogizing their attendance at meetings with Trump to acting like “a puppy.” They openly criticized the approach taken by Congress, describing it as “disrespectful and rough.” One insider exclaimed, “The man has lost it.”

Some within UEFA are questioning the implications of Infantino’s recent actions for his chances at a fourth term in FIFA’s upcoming 2027 elections, despite his notable global backing strengthening his position.

Victor Montagliani, the head of Concacaf, publicly distanced himself from the strike, remarking that “two mistakes do not make a right.” Meanwhile, South American football body Conmebol announced plans to extend the hotel complex in Paraguay known as Infantino Tower.

The FIFA conference set for June in Miami, which will debut the controversial Club World Cup, may present fresh opportunities for confronting governance issues within FIFA. Some European nations are already strategizing how to address these challenges before the conference.

During his recent appearances in Congress, Infantino repeatedly apologized for his absence, insisting that it was crucial for him to represent football. He remarked, “As FIFA president, it’s my duty to make decisions that serve the organization. I believed it was essential for me to be there to represent football and everyone involved.”

FIFA has been contacted for comments regarding these developments.