“FIFA’s 75th Congress: When Power Delays the Game”

The delegates sat in silence, their eyes fixed on the clock, as the minutes ticked by—each second a subtle testament to the shifting sands of power.

The 75th FIFA Congress in Asunción, Paraguay, was not just a gathering of football’s elite; it was a stage where the world’s most influential figures in sports waited. But for what? A two-hour delay, announced just hours before the scheduled start, was more than a mere inconvenience—it was a statement.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s late arrival, following a Middle East trip with former U.S. President Donald Trump, was the official reason given. Yet, the timing of this delay—on the eve of a congress marking the centenary of Paraguay’s FIFA membership—felt deliberate. Was it a coincidence, or a calculated move to assert control over the proceedings?

The Politics of Timing

The congress, held at the CONMEBOL convention center near Silvio Pettirossi International Airport, was set to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time. By 10:30 a.m., delegates were informed of a two-hour delay due to “unforeseen reasons.” Infantino’s speech, delivered in Spanish to honor the host nation, began at 12:47 p.m. But the question lingered: Why was the delay necessary?

Critics argue that Infantino’s decision to attend a Gulf summit instead of arriving on time for pre-congress meetings reflects misplaced priorities. His justification—that the summit was essential for organizing major upcoming FIFA events—raises eyebrows. Could these global engagements be a smokescreen for consolidating power within FIFA?

A Pattern of Priorities

This isn’t the first instance where Infantino’s actions have sparked controversy. The virtual announcement of Saudi Arabia as the host for the 2034 World Cup was marred by technical difficulties, casting doubt on FIFA’s preparedness. Moreover, the cancellation of a FIFA Council meeting in Paraguay, citing concerns over long-distance travel and environmental issues, was met with surprise by CONMEBOL President Alejandro Domínguez. Such decisions suggest a pattern of prioritizing certain relationships over others.

The Unspoken Message

As the congress commenced, the absence of key discussions and the abrupt changes in scheduling spoke volumes. The delegates, though present, were mere spectators in a game where the rules were set by a select few. The delay was not just a logistical hiccup—it was a reminder of the power dynamics at play.

In the world of global football, timing is everything. And in this instance, the delay was not just about a late arrival—it was about asserting control, setting the agenda, and reminding the world who holds the reins.