UEFA Walks Out at FIFA Congress Over Infantino Trump Tour Delay

Tensions between FIFA and UEFA intensified after FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived over two hours late to the FIFA Congress in Paraguay, following a diplomatic trip to the Middle East with former U.S. President Donald Trump. UEFA criticized Infantino for prioritizing "private political interests" over football governance and protested by staging a walkout during the congress, led by UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin and supported by other European delegates, including Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt. UEFA condemned last-minute schedule changes made to accommodate Infantino's delayed arrival, calling them "deeply regrettable" and emphasizing the importance of the congress as a key event for global football governance. Infantino defended his trip as essential for representing football in discussions with world leaders, but his visible association with Trump and the timing of the visit, especially amid talks about the 2034 World Cup in Saudi Arabia, sparked disapproval among European football leadership. Norwegian FA president Lise Klaveness highlighted the disruption's impact on the legitimacy of the congress, which gathers 211 football nations worldwide. The walkout left noticeable empty seats at the event, underscoring the significant rift between FIFA's leadership and UEFA over priorities and governance.