FIFA chief faces backlash over Gulf trip with Trump amid Congress

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: New websites
17 May 2025 15:57

Gianni Infantino is under fire from HRW and UEFA insiders after skipping key congress meetings to accompany US President Donald Trump to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

President Donald Trump listens as FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a FIFA task force meeting on the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the East Room of the White House, Tuesday, May 6, 2025, in Washington (AP)

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing renewed criticism after skipping key sessions of the annual FIFA Congress to accompany US President Donald Trump on a trip to Qatar and Saudi Arabia.

The decision sparked outrage from UEFA officials and human rights advocates, who accuse Infantino of prioritizing private political interests over transparency and accountability in global football governance.

Human Rights Watch demands accountability

Human Rights Watch has called on Infantino to explain his recent trip to the Gulf and clarify how it benefited football or advanced human rights.

"FIFA has no meaningful systems of accountability," said Minky Worden, Director of Global Initiatives at Human Rights Watch.

"Instead of calling out the Trump administration’s pernicious policies, Infantino has become part of his entourage," she emphasized.

Worden added that the FIFA president’s absence from the congress shows a "papal conclave has more accountability than a congress."

Infantino skips FIFA Congress for political meetings

Infantino missed several key meetings during FIFA’s annual congress in Paraguay, a move that prompted a walkout by UEFA delegates.

UEFA later released a strongly worded statement condemning his absence, claiming it was driven by "private political interests."

Infantino defended his decision on stage at the congress, stating, "As president of FIFA my responsibility is to make decisions in the interests of the organisation. I felt that I needed to be there to represent football and all of you."

'The guy has lost it'

The Guardian quoted senior European football officials who described Infantino’s conduct as “disrespectful and arrogant,” with one executive saying, “The guy has lost it.”

Several insiders suggested that Infantino’s actions may jeopardize his chances of securing a fourth term as FIFA President in 2027, despite his current global support.

'Following Trump like a puppy'

Some executives also viewed Infantino’s absence not only as a snub but also as symptomatic of deeper issues in FIFA leadership.

According to reports, some delegates compared Infantino’s behavior to that of someone “following Trump like a puppy.”

Concacaf and Conmebol offer mixed reactions

Not all football bodies condemned Infantino’s actions. Victor Montagliani, head of Concacaf, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, opposed the UEFA walkout.

“Two wrongs don’t make a right,” he said.

Meanwhile, Conmebol, the South American confederation, announced that it would name a new extension to its hotel complex in Asuncion after Infantino, calling it the "Infantino Tower".

A critical meeting is scheduled for June in Miami, where FIFA will convene just as the controversial Club World Cup begins in the US.

Several European nations are reportedly planning to push for stronger governance reforms and increased transparency within FIFA.