Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Jump to content
Independent

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Independent Bulletin homepage

Social Partner

We are 8 logo (opens in a new tab)We are 8 logoWe are 8 logo
  1. All
  2. News
  3. Sport
  4. Culture
  5. Lifestyle

FIFA boss accused of disrespect following Trump visit

FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses the FIFA 75th Congress at the Conmebol Convention Center
FIFA President Gianni Infantino addresses the FIFA 75th Congress at the Conmebol Convention Center (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)
  • FIFA president Gianni Infantino's late arrival to the FIFA Congress, due to a trip with Donald Trump to the Middle East, sparked a walkout by UEFA delegates, including FA chair Debbie Hewitt.
  • UEFA accused Infantino of prioritising "private political interests" over the game, citing last-minute schedule changes to accommodate his trip with Trump and meetings with leaders in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
  • The walkout, led by UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin, left rows of empty seats during Infantino's address, highlighting the growing unrest within European football administration concerning FIFA's direction under Infantino.
  • Infantino defended his trip as essential for representing football in discussions with world leaders, particularly regarding the 2026 and 2034 World Cups.
  • The incident underscores tensions within FIFA and raises questions about Infantino's leadership and the influence of political agendas on the organisation.
In full

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

OSZAR »