FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s tardiness to the annual FIFA delegation meeting in Paraguay last week has incurred the pronounced wrath of UEFA. Infantino’s decision to prioritize diplomatic engagements with U.S. President Donald Trump and Middle Eastern leaders has raised questions about his commitment to football governance.
That was how Infantino opened his week in the Middle East. Mnuchin accompanied Trump on state visits to some of our most important allies, like Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. These meetings allowed Infantino to solidify his connections with each of the Trump administrations. He went further, addressing other essential political and economic challenges that have major global ramifications.
Consider the high profile discussions that hung in the air over the FIFA “elective” meeting. Yet Infantino’s late arrival in Paraguay pushed that start time back by more than three hours. He blamed technical problems with his private jet flight from Qatar for missing it. The meeting was originally set to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time but did not start until close to 1 p.m.
“We are uniting the world today in Asunción,” Infantino stated upon his eventual arrival. He said he was sorry for the wait and he made a point of constantly thanking the audience.
“I felt like I had to be there to represent all of you, to represent football,” – Gianni Infantino
That choice to avoid focusing on meetings with world leaders in favor of tending to the needs of FIFA’s national federation members raised some eyebrows. In response, UEFA accused Infantino of bowing to the whims of private political interests instead of prioritizing the needs of the global football community.
“does the game no service and appears to put its interests second,” a UEFA spokesperson remarked.
Sitting with Infantino was Alejandro Dominguez, FIFA vice president and president of the South American soccer federation CONMEBOL. The two leaders cut a united front on stage as they both spoke to the audience’s concerns about the continued delay and what it means for FIFA’s future business.
Infantino’s newfound role as a force in international politics is especially significant, considering he’s a member of the International Olympic Committee. His great diplomatic efforts will certainly forge robust linkages between FIFA and core political constituency. They also fuel questions about his priorities as he continues to prioritize football governance.
After last week’s conclave in Qatar, Infantino has positioned himself to play a key role in the future of international soccer. This is to include a state dinner in Khalifa’s honor at Lusail Palace from Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani. He will present trophies at both the Club World Cup finals scheduled for July and the World Cup next year at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Most significantly, Trump is due to award the trophy at the final of the World Cup.
From the moment that the dazzling gold trophy arrived in early May, a palpable excitement began to simmer. Throughout those important diplomatic engagements, it shone as a beacon of hope in the Oval Office.
Critics argue that Infantino’s focus on political discussions detracts from his responsibilities toward FIFA’s member associations. The time taken to get the meeting started is not the only issue that makes one wonder how well he can possibly juggle these diverging priorities, though.
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