Controversy Erupts at FIFA Congress as Delegates Walk Out
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin leads a mass exit at the Congress in Paraguay amid Gianni Infantino's significant delay.
A significant controversy unfolded at the FIFA Congress held in Paraguay, following the late arrival of FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Infantino arrived after several hours of delay, having attended pivotal discussions in Doha regarding the 2034 World Cup with representatives from Saudi Arabia and U.S. President Donald Trump.
His tardiness prompted UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin to lead a substantial walkout of European delegates, which included representatives from England, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Cyprus, Montenegro, and Romania.
Ceferin's departure marks the second time he has exited a FIFA event, underscoring rising tensions between UEFA and FIFA.
Infantino made an apology for his delay as he opened the congress, yet this gesture did not persuade the departing delegates to remain.
Csányi Sándor, the President of the Hungarian Football Association, also chose not to return to the session following the exodus.
The session was anticipated to be crucial, with over 210 member associations traveling to Paraguay expecting professional leadership and a constructive dialogue at the highest organizational levels.
Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Federation, expressed her disappointment, labeling Infantino's delay as disheartening.
The English Football Association's President also exited, a surprising move as England is competing to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
While Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, stayed behind to ensure voting rights for the association during the congress discussions, the overall atmosphere remained strained.
The situation signals ongoing tensions within football's governing bodies and raises questions about future interactions between FIFA and continental associations amid rising frustrations.
Infantino arrived after several hours of delay, having attended pivotal discussions in Doha regarding the 2034 World Cup with representatives from Saudi Arabia and U.S. President Donald Trump.
His tardiness prompted UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin to lead a substantial walkout of European delegates, which included representatives from England, Belgium, Germany, Hungary, Cyprus, Montenegro, and Romania.
Ceferin's departure marks the second time he has exited a FIFA event, underscoring rising tensions between UEFA and FIFA.
Infantino made an apology for his delay as he opened the congress, yet this gesture did not persuade the departing delegates to remain.
Csányi Sándor, the President of the Hungarian Football Association, also chose not to return to the session following the exodus.
The session was anticipated to be crucial, with over 210 member associations traveling to Paraguay expecting professional leadership and a constructive dialogue at the highest organizational levels.
Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Federation, expressed her disappointment, labeling Infantino's delay as disheartening.
The English Football Association's President also exited, a surprising move as England is competing to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup.
While Mark Bullingham, the CEO of the English FA, stayed behind to ensure voting rights for the association during the congress discussions, the overall atmosphere remained strained.
The situation signals ongoing tensions within football's governing bodies and raises questions about future interactions between FIFA and continental associations amid rising frustrations.
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