A moment of palpable awkwardness unfolded on stage at a major FIFA event, as President Gianni Infantino managed to snub comedian Kevin Hart while greeting former supermodel Heidi Klum.
A Clumsy Start in Washington DC
The incident occurred during the opening of the World Cup draw proceedings in Washington DC. As the event began, Infantino walked out to greet the two presenters: the renowned German model and television host Heidi Klum and popular American comedian and actor Kevin Hart.
The situation turned uncomfortable almost immediately. As Infantino approached the pair with open arms, he moved directly towards Klum. Hart, following standard protocol, stepped forward at the same time to offer a handshake to the FIFA chief. In a move that was captured clearly by cameras, Infantino theatrically gestured Hart away, creating an instant, cringe-worthy tableau.
'Ladies First' Justifies the Snub
Seemingly attempting to recover from the blatant snub, Gianni Infantino then loudly proclaimed "ladies first, ladies first" as he embraced Heidi Klum. Only after completing his greeting with Klum did he turn his attention to Kevin Hart, offering him a similar hug.
The entire exchange lasted mere seconds but was marked by a clear lack of coordination and social grace from one of football's most powerful figures. The phrase "ladies first," while traditionally polite, did little to diffuse the impression of a deliberate and awkward rebuff directed at Hart.
Public Reaction and Fallout
While the event quickly moved on to the main draw ceremony, the brief on-stage interaction has since captured significant attention online. Observers and social media commentators were quick to highlight the clumsiness of the encounter, with many suggesting it revealed a lack of basic stage management and interpersonal skill from the FIFA leadership.
Such moments, though seemingly minor, often become focal points for public discussion about the demeanour and professionalism of high-profile officials in global sports governance. The incident in Washington DC serves as another example of how off-script interactions can overshadow the intended purpose of a meticulously planned event like a World Cup draw.
Neither Infantino, Klum, nor Hart has publicly commented further on the awkward introduction. The focus has officially remained on the footballing outcomes of the draw itself, but the viral moment continues to circulate as a notable footnote to the proceedings.
