A few steps from the entrance to Mexico City's Presidente Hotel, "where FIFA delegates are staying during this week's Congress, a boy of around 10-years-old sells tamarind balls covered in chili powder from a cart for 10 Mexican pesos ($0.55) each," according to Brian Homewood of REUTERS. The "spicy, tangy sweets are a local specialty yet are unlikely to have been tasted by the FIFA delegates." The guests of world football are "more likely to be inside sipping lattes for eight times the price." FIFA has "often been known for lavishing a five-star lifestyle on its delegates and officials." But after FIFA President Gianni Infantino was elected in February, "one of his first pledges was to make FIFA more humble, suggesting, among other things, that federation officials no longer wore suits to matches." But this week's Congress in Mexico City has "looked as extravagant as any" held under former President Sepp Blatter. FIFA confirmed that it paid all the expenses for each of its 209 member associations to "bring a three-man delegation, flying business class and staying in five-star accommodation." Each delegate was also given $1,000 "in spending money." FIFA sources said that efforts "were being made to persuade delegates to leave their bubble but having them walk a few hundred yards took some effort." Some were seen walking the 500m "from their hotel to Thursday's opening ceremony at the city's 10,000-seat National Auditorium." It was seen by FIFA "as a step, albeit it a small one, in the right direction, although others insisted on taking a luxury bus" (REUTERS, 5/13).
