The annual FIFA Congress, held this time in Asunción, was marked by a deep institutional rift: UEFA accused the president of world football’s governing body, Gianni Infantino, of putting personal political interests ahead of his professional duties. Tensions escalated after the official arrived three hours late following a tour with former U.S. President Donald Trump through Qatar and Saudi Arabia, prompting a last-minute rescheduling of the event.

The program change led to the withdrawal of several European delegates in protest, including the UEFA President, Aleksander Ceferin, and the Chair of the English Football Association, Debbie Hewitt. UEFA described the schedule adjustment as “deeply regrettable” and criticized that a key event for world football was disrupted due to decisions made “seemingly to serve private political interests.”

A rift that reflects long-standing tensions

In an unusually critical statement, UEFA recalled that the FIFA Congress is a central platform to discuss the future of global football, and that the decision to alter the program affected the hosts’ efforts — the Paraguayan Football Association and CONMEBOL — and institutional respect. “We are all here to serve football,” said the European body, justifying the early withdrawal of its representatives as a way to uphold the principles of the sport over personal agendas.

Criticism of Infantino is nothing new, but the episode in Paraguay has exposed the growing tension between FIFA and its European members. Since the Qatar 2022 World Cup, through the increasing influence of Saudi Arabia on the international calendar, to the handling of human rights, several federations have voiced their discontent. Lise Klaveness, President of the Norwegian Football Association, reinforced this position by calling Infantino’s absence “concerning” and demanded a public explanation from FIFA. For UEFA, the governance of global football needs to be rethought to prevent a deeper fracture.