The World Cup is over for this time, and in four years the event will be in Europe – Fortunately.
Now the dishes start, as always after a big party and this time the stack of dirty plates is gigantic.
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin was conspicuously absent from the MetLife Stadium when Spain were crowned world champions for the second time, after a 1-0 win over Argentina after extra time.
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The absence caused a stir, given his position in the football world – with a European team in the final and Ceferin himself as vice president of FIFA.
Since then, reports have emerged suggesting that there is a deeper conflict behind the decision – a disagreement that has grown through several events in the tournament and points to a greatly weakened relationship at the very top of football’s governing bodies.
Ceferin’s relationship with Infantino is said to be in ruins
According to The Times , the relationship between Ceferin and FIFA president Gianni Infantino has completely broken down, and the handling of Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension is said to have been the straw that broke the camel’s back.
Balogun was sent off during the USA’s victory over Bosnia in the round of 16 – a decision that seemed harsh when it was made. However, since FIFA had no appeal system in place for the tournament, it appeared that the Monaco striker would have to serve a one-match ban. Then it emerged that Donald Trump had personally contacted Infantino about the case. White House spokesperson Emily Goodin confirmed:
“The president and Infantino spoke and the president wanted to understand why a red card was given and why a suspension was imposed.”
The suspension was eventually postponed for a year – a move UEFA slaughtered in a harsh statement, claiming it was “crossing a red line”.
Ceferin also frustrated with referee processing and expansion plans
Ceferin is also said to be unhappy with how Somali referee Omar Artan was treated after being denied entry to the United States, as well as with the handling of Iran throughout the championship.
Artan has since been awarded the UEFA Super Cup between Aston Villa and Paris Saint-Germain – almost as a consolation prize.
Beyond individual incidents, Ceferin is strongly opposed to further expansion of the World Cup. This year’s 48-team format is already the largest in history, and Infantino is pushing for a future 64-team championship that could last over six weeks from start to finish.
Ceferin has also criticized ticket prices during this World Cup, and UEFA also chose not to introduce several of the rule changes that were tested in the tournament – including a red card for players who cover their mouths during arguments with the referee.
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