Latest news with #NorwegianFootballFederation
Int'l Business Times
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Int'l Business Times
European Walkout After Late Infantino Delays FIFA Congress
European delegates staged a walkout at FIFA's Congress in Paraguay on Thursday after world football chief Gianni Infantino jetted in late for the session following meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Infantino's late arrival at the global governing body's annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours. Several representatives from European football associations -- including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin -- cut short their attendance after Infantino called a recess at the event taking place in Luque, outside Asuncion. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed dismay at Infantino in a statement circulated to reporters. "The delayed arrival of the FIFA President at the 75th FIFA Congress is disappointing," Klaveness said. "The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football. The situation is concerning. 210 member associations have traveled from all over the world to participate at this Congress here in Paraguay, expecting professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level. "I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we feel sorry for the excellent hosts in Paraguay." Infantino for his part issued an apology for his tardiness in remarks to the congress before the delegates left. Infantino blamed flight problems for his late arrival but stressed the importance of attending the meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively. "As FIFA president, my responsibility is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization (...) I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," Infantino said of his visit to the Gulf. The FIFA leader accompanied Trump -- who he visited last week at the White House -- on his tour of both countries. The United States will take centre stage for FIFA over the coming years, hosting next month's inaugural Club World Cup before staging the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year, with the Women's World Cup in 2031. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate on Infantino's late arrival following the meeting. "I have no comment on that; he explained the reasons why it was delayed. He had important matters to discuss. We had a great Congress," he told reporters. Thursday's meeting wrapped with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, the head of South American federation CONMEBOL, meanwhile used the occasion to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has recently pushed a controversial proposal for the tournament to be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, said he believed "no-one" should be left out of the event, which marks the World Cup's centenary. "A World Cup is the most popular celebration on planet Earth, and no one should be left out of that celebration," Dominguez said, without explicitly mentioning his idea of expansion. Dominguez's proposal -- which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay while the bulk of games would remain in Spain, Morocco and Portugal -- has met with stiff opposition throughout the football world. The presidents of the ruling football bodies in Europe, Asia and Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all spoken out against expansion. "I'm not inviting you to change your position, but rather to reflect together on creating something worthy of history," Dominguez said.
France 24
15-05-2025
- Politics
- France 24
European walkout after late Infantino delays FIFA Congress
FIFA President Infantino's late arrival at the global governing body's annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours. Several representatives from European football associations -- including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin -- cut short their attendance after Infantino called a recess at the event taking place in Luque, outside Asuncion. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed dismay at Infantino in a statement circulated to reporters. "The delayed arrival of the FIFA President at the 75th FIFA Congress is disappointing," Klaveness said. "The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football. The situation is concerning. 210 member associations have traveled from all over the world to participate at this Congress here in Paraguay, expecting professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level. "I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we feel sorry for the excellent hosts in Paraguay." Infantino apology Infantino for his part issued an apology for his tardiness in remarks to the congress before the delegates left. Infantino blamed flight problems for his late arrival but stressed the importance of attending the meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively. "As FIFA president, my responsibility is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization (...) I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," Infantino said of his visit to the Gulf. The FIFA leader accompanied Trump -- who he visited last week at the White House -- on his tour of both countries. The United States will take centre stage for FIFA over the coming years, hosting next month's inaugural Club World Cup before staging the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year, with the Women's World Cup in 2031. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate on Infantino's late arrival following the meeting. "I have no comment on that; he explained the reasons why it was delayed. He had important matters to discuss. We had a great Congress," he told reporters. 'No-one left out' Thursday's meeting wrapped with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, the head of South American federation CONMEBOL, meanwhile used the occasion to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has recently pushed a controversial proposal for the tournament to be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, said he believed "no-one" should be left out of the event, which marks the World Cup's centenary. "A World Cup is the most popular celebration on planet Earth, and no one should be left out of that celebration," Dominguez said, without explicitly mentioning his idea of expansion. Dominguez's proposal -- which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay while the bulk of games would remain in Spain, Morocco and Portugal -- has met with stiff opposition throughout the football world. The presidents of the ruling football bodies in Europe, Asia and Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all spoken out against expansion.
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
European walkout after late Infantino delays FIFA Congress
FIFA president Gianni Infantino speaks at FIFA's Congress in Paraguay on Thursday, where European delegates left early following the football supremo's late arrival (DANIEL DUARTE) European delegates staged a walkout at FIFA's Congress in Paraguay on Thursday after world football chief Gianni Infantino jetted in late for the session following meetings in Saudi Arabia and Qatar with US President Donald Trump. FIFA President Infantino's late arrival at the global governing body's annual meeting caused a delay of more than two hours. Advertisement Several representatives from European football associations -- including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin -- cut short their attendance after Infantino called a recess at the event taking place in Luque, outside Asuncion. Norwegian Football Federation president Lise Klaveness expressed dismay at Infantino in a statement circulated to reporters. "The delayed arrival of the FIFA President at the 75th FIFA Congress is disappointing," Klaveness said. "The annual congress is the single most important body to ensure good governance of international football. The situation is concerning. 210 member associations have traveled from all over the world to participate at this Congress here in Paraguay, expecting professional leadership and dialogue at the highest level. Advertisement "I understand the frustration and disappointment from European FIFA members, and we feel sorry for the excellent hosts in Paraguay." - Infantino apology - Infantino for his part issued an apology for his tardiness in remarks to the congress before the delegates left. Infantino blamed flight problems for his late arrival but stressed the importance of attending the meetings in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, the hosts of the 2022 and 2034 World Cups respectively. "As FIFA president, my responsibility is to make decisions in the best interests of the organization (...) I felt I had to be there to represent football and all of you," Infantino said of his visit to the Gulf. Advertisement The FIFA leader accompanied Trump -- who he visited last week at the White House -- on his tour of both countries. The United States will take centre stage for FIFA over the coming years, hosting next month's inaugural Club World Cup before staging the 2026 World Cup with Canada and Mexico next year, with the Women's World Cup in 2031. FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom declined to elaborate on Infantino's late arrival following the meeting. "I have no comment on that; he explained the reasons why it was delayed. He had important matters to discuss. We had a great Congress," he told reporters. Advertisement - 'No-one left out' - Thursday's meeting wrapped with no major decisions taken. Alejandro Dominguez, the head of South American federation CONMEBOL, meanwhile used the occasion to comment on preparations for the 2030 World Cup. Dominguez, who has recently pushed a controversial proposal for the tournament to be expanded from 48 to 64 teams, said he believed "no-one" should be left out of the event, which marks the World Cup's centenary. "A World Cup is the most popular celebration on planet Earth, and no one should be left out of that celebration," Dominguez said, without explicitly mentioning his idea of expansion. Advertisement Dominguez's proposal -- which would allow for more matches to be held in Argentina, Paraguay and Uruguay while the bulk of games would remain in Spain, Morocco and Portugal -- has met with stiff opposition throughout the football world. The presidents of the ruling football bodies in Europe, Asia and Central America, the Caribbean, and North America have all spoken out against expansion. "I'm not inviting you to change your position, but rather to reflect together on creating something worthy of history," Dominguez said. tev/raa/iga/rcw/ea
The Independent
15-05-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
FA chair joins protest against Gianni Infantino's late arrival to Fifa Congress after Saudi trip with Donald Trump
FA chair Debbie Hewitt joined European delegates on an unprecedented walkout of Fifa Congress in Paraguay, in protest at Gianni Infantino 's hours-late arrival from a trip to the Middle East with Donald Trump. The situation created the embarrassing situation of the Fifa president speaking alongside rows of empty seats at the Fifa Council. The situation could precipitate a new civil war within Fifa, football's global governing body, although senior sources insist this was more about sending 'a strong message' for Infantino 'to change his behaviour' and reassess 'his personal political agenda'. The Norwegian football federation accused Infantino of disrespect and demanded an explanation from Fifa. The annual Congress had already been moved due to Infantino's trip to the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where he spent time with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and President Trump, two world leaders he has developed close links with over the past eight years. Delegates later received an email saying Infantino had been further delayed to 'unforeseen circumstances', which caused the farcical sight of senior football officials tracking his movements on online flight radars. Such absurdity was nevertheless complemented by fury. There had already been growing unrest within European football administration about the general direction of Fifa, and how so many key decisions seem to be taken without wider consultation. Among them are calls on the newly expanded Club World Cup and the highly controversial voting processes for the 2030 and 2034 World Cups. While Infantino eventually arrived in Asuncion and gave hurried apologies before his rushed keynote speech, numerous officials were left furious. Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin led a delegation of European Council members in deciding to walk out after the break, leaving the sight of so many empty seats for the rest of Congress. The Council is Fifa's highest body, and supposed to act as the body's main check and balance. The Norwegian federation added that its delegation 'chose to leave the Congress venue together with several European colleagues at 2pm as initially planned' – by the previous time schedule – 'for a respectful departure'. Infantino later defended his trip, insisting it was crucial 'to represent football' in 'important discussions' with 'world leaders in politics and economy', not to mention those central to the hosting of the 2026 (USA, Mexico and Canada) and 2034 World Cups (Saudi Arabia). But some officials were sceptical that the extended time was merely down to his personal political agenda. There was also a feeling that this went against the Fifa president's very job description, since he is essentially supposed to serve the members who vote him in. There was further difficulty for Infantino when a representative of the Palestine FA, Susan Shalabi, took the floor to admonish the governing body for continuously postponing a decision on their proposal that Israel should be banned for football over the claim the country has gone against Fifa statutes by staging football matches on illegally occupied land. Some senior figures feel the issue is going to be continuously put off due to the political sensitivity, as well as the very idea that a football federation would take a decision of this nature before international bodies like the United Nations. It is also where Infantino's relationship with Trump is seen as potentially influential, given the US president's generally pro-Israel policy on Gaza. The Norwegian FA's secretary general, Karl-Petter Loken, stayed behind to express his federation's support for the case of the Palestinian FA.
The Guardian
01-03-2025
- Politics
- The Guardian
VAR retained in Norway after grassroots clubs swing vote on technology
Norway will continue to use VAR in its top flight after a vote among clubs across the country's football system came out in favour of retaining the technology. An emotive saga that has caused severe ructions iconcluded at the Norwegian Football Federation's general assembly with 321 votes in favour of VAR and 129 against. The outcome was effectively decided by grassroots clubs who do not use VAR. Those in the top two divisions had already formally recommended that it be discontinued. The outcome spells victory for the NFF and its president, Lise Klaveness, who had argued vigorously to keep using VAR in the face of widespread protests at Eliteserien games. The federation had backed its retention despite a vote in January, passed by 19-13, by the country's top 32 clubs to cease its deployment. A long and impassioned debate at Ullevaal Stadion in Oslo, which rumbled for more than two hours, was followed by the vote. It fell to those present among Norway's lower-division and amateur clubs, who traditionally have tended to vote in line with the NFF's recommendations, to swing the balance in either direction. Before the discussion, the leaders of the NFF's influential 18 district associations had all come out in favour of the status quo. It means Norway, which adopted VAR in 2023, will not become the first country to approve its abolition. Questions will rage about the process behind Saturday's vote and particularly the fact that it overrules those to whom VAR holds most relevance. Many of VAR's opponents feel the NFF should have acted in accordance with the leading clubs, who made their decisions after internal votes by their members. Klaveness said in August that their stance would 'carry weight' in the NFF's recommendation to the general assembly. Klaveness has previously acknowledged the VAR process requires improvement, while arguing that Norway's referees may be hamstrung in their ambitions to work in Uefa competitions if they are not using it at home. Sign up to Football Daily Kick off your evenings with the Guardian's take on the world of football after newsletter promotion Protests against VAR in Norway have included tennis balls and fishcakes being thrown on to pitch in top-flight matches. This year's Eliteserien season will begin on 29 March. Norway's neighbour Sweden stands alone as the only European country to have rejected VAR.
