UEFA has accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of focusing on “private political interests” rather than his role in football. This strong statement from the European football governing body followed the attendance of several national representatives at the annual FIFA Congress early on Thursday.
Among those participating were UEFA President Alexander Ceferin and Football Association Chair Debbie Hewitt, who both expressed their dissatisfaction with the meeting’s schedule change. This adjustment occurred because Infantino arrived late after accompanying Donald Trump on a tour of Gulf nations.
UEFA’s statement was notably severe, describing the change as “very disappointing.” They emphasized that the FIFA Congress is a crucial gathering for football, where representatives from around the world convene to address pressing sports-related issues.
The organization acknowledged the effort put in by their hosts, the Paraguay Football Association and Conmebol, to accommodate numerous representatives. They also expressed gratitude for the hospitality received.
UEFA representatives reiterated their commitment to serving football’s interests, emphasizing that all members, from grassroots to governance, needed to prioritize the sport itself.
Infantino had been in the Middle East alongside Trump’s delegation, who previously hosted the 2022 World Cup, and is set to host the 2034 event in Saudi Arabia. At one point, Infantino was present for a ceremony in which Trump signed a golden football presented by the Qatari chief.
His late arrival—three hours after the meeting started—was a result of flight delays. Though he apologized multiple times for his tardiness, he maintained that it was essential for him to be present to represent football. “As FIFA president, my obligation is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization,” he stated.
UEFA’s statement hints at simmering tensions between European nations and FIFA under Infantino’s leadership. Many European countries feel marginalized by FIFA’s governance, believing the organization prioritizes interests elsewhere. This includes frustrations about handling human rights issues during the Qatar World Cup.
Previously, Lise Klaveness, the president of the Norwegian Football Association, had been a vocal critic of FIFA, particularly regarding support for the families of migrant workers in Qatar. She also participated in the protest at the FIFA meeting.
Klaveness remarked on Infantino’s absence as “concerning,” indicating a shared feeling of disappointment among FIFA members in Europe while extending apologies for the situation to their Paraguayan hosts. She called for FIFA to communicate better with its members and ensure their voices are recognized going forward.
