FIFA Congress Delayed, UEFA Stages Walkout

The FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, was delayed by over two hours after FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived late due to his controversial trip to the Middle East with U.S. President Donald Trump. The delay, officially attributed by FIFA to 'unforeseeable reasons,' was actually caused by Infantino's travel schedule, which included meetings in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and a stopover in Nigeria. Frustration among delegates led to a coordinated walkout from the congress podium by UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and German FA chief Bernd Neuendorf in protest. Some delegates also voiced concerns about Infantino missing key preparatory meetings and official events preceding the congress. This incident highlights Infantino's close ties with Trump and Middle Eastern World Cup hosts and marks a rare instance where a FIFA Congress was postponed due to the president's personal travel. Despite the disruption and visible discontent, no major decisions were expected at the congress.