Several European Fifa member associations, including eight European members of the Fifa Council, walked out of the annual congress in Paraguay in protest of president Gianni Infantino’s late arrival. Infantino’s delay was caused by his involvement in meetings in the Middle East with leaders from Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as well as a visit with Donald Trump. The departure of key delegates, such as Uefa president Alexander Čeferin and Norway Football Federation president Lise Klaveness, highlighted the frustration and disappointment felt by European Fifa members.

Norway Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed disappointment at Infantino’s late arrival, emphasizing the importance of professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level in the governance of international football. Infantino, upon his delayed arrival, apologized for the delay and explained that he prioritized representing soccer at political meetings in the Middle East.

Infantino’s Middle East visit followed his appearance at the White House for a public meeting of the Trump administration’s 2026 World Cup taskforce. Amid discussions about World Cup visitors potentially facing arrest for visa overstays, Infantino emphasized that visitors for upcoming soccer events would be welcome, while troublemakers would not be tolerated.

Despite the tensions surrounding Infantino’s delayed arrival, the Fifa Congress proceeded with discussions on the future of international football governance and the upcoming World Cup events. Infantino’s commitment to representing the interests of the organization and ensuring a smooth operation of soccer events was reiterated throughout the congress.