When attending the FIFA Congress, my Area 51 and Terminal City FC partner, Nathan Durec, and I were wondering what kind of content to put on this website.
We don’t get an opportunity like this often, probably never again. The FIFA Congress brought thousands of delegates and media members from around the world to the Vancouver Convention Centre.
The setup looked very professional and grand. Members of the media got complementary water, coffee and lunch as well as desks to sit and work that sat above the congress floor.
It was an interesting experience to say the least. I’m going to document the highlights of the experience, what was seen, heard and more.
The #SaveTheCaps movement
I arrived at the VCC early to get settled in, wearing a blue suit I rarely wear, along with a new black shirt.
Right away, I knew the FIFA Congress was something I had never experienced before. So many important people in soccer from around the world were here.
Before the FIFA Congress began, a small group of Vancouver Whitecaps fans was present and vocal. The turnout appeared modest, but considering it was 8 AM on a Thursday with less than 24 hours’ notice, the presence was notable.
To make things even more dire, a report from Sportico stated that a group led by Grant Gustavson, son of billionaire Tamara Gustavson (They are descendants of one of the founders of Public Storage), is hoping to move the Whitecaps to Las Vegas. Given that the Gustavsons have an estimated net worth of 8.5 billion USD, this is concerning for Whitecaps fans. Surely, they could use their funds for an expansion franchise instead?
The media did not get a chance to chat with MLS Commissioner Don Garber, but Vancouver Mayor Ken Sim spoke briefly. He said the Vegas bid does not change things.
Sim said he was sitting next to Garber at the FIFA Congress, and other groups had come forward with interest in the last 48 hours. What is interesting is that Sim mentioned that additional sites have been identified for a potential Whitecaps stadium. It’s some hope for fans. But the mayor said don’t get too excited yet.
“I don’t want to give anyone false hope, because we do have a hill to climb,” said Sim.
Start of the FIFA Congress
It was surreal seeing FIFA President Gianni Infantino in person. He gave his welcoming remarks, and there was a Canadian hype video to start.
FIFA Vice President and President of CONCACAF Victor Montagliani also spoke. He welcomed everyone and shared his love of soccer, and growing up in Canada and East Vancouver, among other things.
“Leadership is not about power, it’s about service,” said Montagliani.
Infantino also gave another address after the welcome notes and roll call of the delegates of the FIFA Congress.
Iran was not present. This was because they were denied entry into Canada. But Infantino declared Iran will play in the World Cup in the US.
“We have to unite, football unites the world, FIFA unites the world,” said Infantino on letting Iran play in the World Cup.
Future FIFA Plans
Now, of course, a congress can be tedious and, frankly, boring. But there were some important details to discuss, which I tried my best to listen to.
Firstly, Infantino spoke about the importance of development and competition. The FIFA president’s development funds are expected to grow by 2.7 billion USD.
Infantino also outlined wanting to build new 1000 FIFA arenas by 2031. He also spoke about red cards for covering the mouth or leaving the field of play without the referee’s say are based on respect. Whatever that means.
He also mentioned the proposed offside rule, where a player’s entire body must be ahead of the defender. That is being tested in the CPL. Fans, of course, are divided on this. I guess it was nice of Infantino to shout out the CPL!
Speaking of the proposed offside rule, Arsene Wenger, the man who made the proposal, also got a chance to speak. It was also surreal to see the legendary Arsenal manager in person. Wenger also spoke on the importance of developing soccer players at a young age and how it builds not only soccer skills, but life skills such as discipline and character. He also mentioned that FIFA has 55 talent academies and is looking to push that number to 100 next year.
The women’s game has grown significantly and is continuing to grow. More and more people follow the leagues such as the WSL, NWSL and especially women’s international tournaments. Jill Ellis, FIFA’s Chief Football Officer, mentioned that two billion people watched the last Women’s World Cup. She also talked about the narrative of the women’s game needing to change and how it is an opportunity, culturally and economically, for generations to follow.
Lunch
Infantino called for a “coffee break” just before noon. I needed more than coffee, though. I was hungry as I hadn’t eaten since 6 AM.
For lunch, I had a turkey sandwich, an egg salad croissant and a Belgian chocolate chip cookie, plus some good old-fashioned water. I decided to stay in the media catering area with fellow media attendees a bit longer, as the next part of the FIFA Congress agenda was the financials. That was the boring stuff. I didn’t need to hear all that because it would feel like being back in Math of Physics class instead. Numbers are not my strong suit.
I also explored the Convention Centre, as I can’t remember the last time I went inside there. No wonder the building is so highly regarded; it’s a nice venue.
An Awkward Moment…
When I got back to the media area, the financials part was wrapping up. Infantino called on Palestine FA president Jibril Rajoub to speak about the conflict there, the effect on soccer and other things.
Rajoub spoke very passionately and emotionally about the state of Palestine and Palestinian soccer.
“We ask this Congress to remember that unreserved, resolved injustice does not disappear,” he said. It becomes precedent, and precedent becomes policy.”
Then Infantino called upon Basim Sheikh Suliman, who is the Vice President of the Israeli FA. He spoke about Arabs being on the Israeli team, Israel’s funding of Palestinian clubs and Israel on the global soccer stage.
You would think that was all. But no. Infantino wanted a moment for the cameras. He called Rajoub and Suliman on stage and asked them to shake hands for a photo. Of course, this did not go well with Rajoub. He argued with Infantino and refused to shake Suliman’s hand and walked off the stage, clearly not happy.
Yeah, that was awkward. But in some ways, the highlight of the FIFA Congress.
“Gianni has the right to try to bridge gaps,” said Rajoub to the media after the congress concluded, per Ben Steiner of Sports Illustrated. “He has the right to try to bring people together, but I think maybe he does not know the deep suffering of the Palestinian people and the Palestinian sports family. Sport is not more than exposing our just cause through the ethics and the values of sport, and it means that someone who is trying to undermine and someone who is trying to destroy everything should face sanctions.”
Conclusion
The FIFA Congress concluded with Infantino declaring he is running for re-election in next year’s FIFA President election. And then he announced next year’s FIFA Congress will be held in Rabat, Morocco.
I liked being there. It was cool to experience. Though the congress itself wasn’t that interesting, I enjoyed the experience and speaking to fellow members of the Vancouver media. The failed handshake attempt was bizarre and even more awkward to see in person. At least Infantino didn’t say something throughout the FIFA Congress that made everyone cringe.
Yes, I did enjoy the food more. After all, who can’t resist free food?
This was one of the most unique things I have ever experienced in my media career. Seeing all the delegates and the national and international media was surreal, and it was cool that I got to be there.
I guess this is a preview of what is to come when Vancouver hosts the World Cup in a month and a half. But the dark cloud of the Whitecaps potentially leaving town was a dark cloud that hung over everyone throughout the FIFA Congress.
Sitting and walking around in a dark room was also awkward because I nearly tripped on the stairs while coming back from lunch. But overall, I found the whole thing very cool.
