Tensions flared at the FIFA Congress in Paraguay as UEFA publicly criticised FIFA President Gianni Infantino for arriving over two hours late to the global gathering of football’s top administrators.

Infantino, who was engaged in diplomatic meetings in the Middle East alongside U.S. President Donald Trump, arrived at the congress in Luque well past the scheduled start time. While the FIFA chief claimed his delay was due to “important discussions” with world leaders on football-related matters, UEFA expressed frustration over what they described as a prioritisation of “private political interests.”

In a rare show of protest, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin, joined by other European delegates including Football Association Chair Debbie Hewitt, walked out during a break in the proceedings. The protest left visibly empty seats at the Conmebol Convention Center as the meeting resumed.

UEFA later released a statement condemning the last-minute schedule change. “This congress is a vital event where global football stakeholders come together to address issues affecting the sport worldwide. Altering the timetable to seemingly accommodate political engagements is deeply regrettable,” it said. The statement further emphasised that the role of football administrators is to “serve the game first.”

Norwegian FA President Lise Klaveness added her voice to the criticism, saying: “This congress is key to maintaining good governance in football. Member associations travel from across the world with expectations of leadership and professionalism. What we’ve witnessed is concerning.”

Delegates from Concacaf – representing North America, Central America, and the Caribbean – also left the congress early in apparent solidarity.

FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström attempted to ease the friction, stating that FIFA values its relationship with UEFA and that the delay was due to pressing international matters.

Despite the reassurances, the incident has raised questions about the leadership priorities at FIFA and highlighted growing discontent among some of its most powerful members. As football’s governance continues to be closely scrutinised, this diplomatic misstep has further strained the already fragile ties between the world’s top footballing bodies.

Ritzbury, one of Sri Lanka’s leading supporters of youth athletics, proudly honoured five exceptional athletes and their coaches for their remarkable performances at the 6th Asian Youth Athletics Championship 2025, held in Dammam, Saudi Arabia. The felicitation ceremony was held on May 2nd at Cinnamon Life, Colombo, under the banner of Ritzbury’s signature initiative, Mawbimata Weerayek (A Hero to the Nation).

Out of the eight Sri Lankan medalists at the continental event, five belong to the Mawbimata Weerayek program, showcasing the success of Ritzbury’s long-term investment in grassroots athletic development. These young athletes, who carried the nation’s hopes with pride, were not only felicitated with awards but also received financial support to further their sporting journeys.

Among the honourees was M.G.T. Abhisheka Premasiri, who brought home Sri Lanka’s only Gold medal in the Girls’ 800m and added a Silver in the medley relay. Dananjana Sewmini Fernando shone with two Silvers—one in the 100m sprint and another in the medley relay. Meanwhile, H.D. Shavindu Avishka (800m), G.D. Lahiru Achintha (1500m), and J.H.P. Nethya Sampath (High Jump) earned Bronze medals, contributing to Sri Lanka’s highest-ever medal tally at the championship.

Recognising the vital role of coaching, Ritzbury also paid tribute to the five national coaches behind this success: Buddhika Nuwan, Anuradha Nanayakkara, R.H.M. Jude Chinthaka, K.H.A.D.S.I. Kularathna, and Suranjith Senarath. Their guidance, discipline, and preparation were applauded as critical to transforming potential into podium finishes.

Speaking at the event, Kamal Geeganage (CEO) and Niluksha Bastiansz (General Manager – Marketing, CBL Foods International) expressed their pride and reaffirmed Ritzbury’s long-standing commitment to national athletics. They highlighted that the Mawbimata Weerayek program, launched in 2019, now supports 65 young talents across Sri Lanka with financial aid and mentorship, aiming to elevate Sri Lankan athletics on both national and international stages.

With their eyes now set on bigger global competitions, these young athletes symbolize a bright future for Sri Lankan athletics. Initiatives like Mawbimata Weerayek not only bring recognition but also lay the foundation for long-term sporting excellence.

The stage is set for a blockbuster finale in the Sri Lanka Schools Under-19 President’s Trophy Knockout Rugby Tournament as Trinity College and Isipathana College stormed into the final with convincing wins in their respective semi-finals. The much-anticipated final will take place on May 18 at 3:45 PM at the Sugathadasa Stadium.

Quarterfinal Recap:

Zahira College earned automatic qualification to the semi-finals after St. Peter’s withdrew from the tournament.

Trinity College secured a 24-15 win over S. Thomas’ College with a dominant display, scoring three tries, three conversions, and a penalty.

Royal College overcame DS Senanayake College with an emphatic 41-24 win, showcasing their attacking firepower.

Isipathana College proved too strong for Wesley College, triumphing 24-10 to book their spot in the semis.

Semi-final Highlights:

Trinity College vs Zahira College: Trinity continued their fine form, beating Zahira 29-12. Their win came through four tries, three conversions, and a penalty, underlining their dominance in the tournament.

Isipathana College vs Royal College: In a fiercely contested battle, Isipathana edged past Royal 24-17 with three tries, three conversions, and a crucial penalty.

With both teams displaying exceptional skill and resilience throughout the tournament, the final promises to be a thrilling encounter between two powerhouses of school rugby.

Final Match Details:

Trinity College vs Isipathana College

Date: May 18, 2025

Venue: Royal College Sports Complex

Kick-off: 3:45 PM

Stay tuned to Sri Lankan Sports TV for live updates, post-match analysis, and exclusive coverage of the President’s Trophy final