FIFA president Gianni Infantino had an awkward moment on stage at the start of the glitzy World Cup draw when he snubbed Kevin Hart to embrace Heidi Klum.

There was a clunky start to proceedings in Washington DC when Infantino walked out to greet presenters Klum and comedian Kevin Hart.

As he approached to embrace Klum, Hart stepped in to shake hands with Infantino at the same time, before being theatrically gestured away.

Infantino then hugged Klum, loudly saying ‘ladies first, ladies first’ before moving on to do the same with Hart.

Whether the uncomfortable start to proceedings was part of a pre-planned skit or a genuine misunderstanding remains to be seen.

Hart reacted by saying ‘get out of here’ before then hugging Infantino and getting on with the presenting duties.

Klum, 52, was wearing a gold dress, while Hart was kitted out in a black sweatshirt along with suit trousers, smart shoes and a diamond necklace.

Infantino wore a sharp black suit and soon found his rhythm after the awkward beginning. +

The controversial FIFA president paid homage to the various dignitaries present, including the leaders of host nations, the US, Canada and Mexico.

He then had the crowd present in John F Kennedy Center chant the names of those three countries depending on where they were from.

Andrea Bocelli had opened the show with a performance of Nessum Dorma before a massive image of the World Cup trophy and the American flag was shown on the screen behind him.

Hart and Klum then came out to introduce themselves to the audience ahead of the highly-anticipated 48-team draw.

They brought Infantino out to applause from the crowd and he marched confidently onto the stage.

His arms were out towards Klum before Hart’s performative move in between them and snubbing.

The slick operation soon resumed before the real business of the draw got underway.

Read more

  • What roles will global superstars Kevin Hart and Heidi Klum play at the exhilarating FIFA World Cup draw event?
  • Did FIFA chief Infantino inadvertently aid ICE with his World Cup draw speech, leaving fans in an uproar and sparking controversy?
  • How is FIFA’s Gianni Infantino embracing Trump’s victory rally spotlight and the promise of unifying future World Cups?
  • Why was Donald Trump’s appearance at the FIFA Club World Cup draw so controversial?
  • Is this star-studded World Cup draw ceremony the most extravagant FIFA kickoff yet?

Awkward moment Gianni Infantino snubs Kevin Hart to embrace Heidi Klum

There was an awkward moment when Gianni Infantino embraced Heidi Klum on stage having snubbed Kevin Hart, saying ‘ladies first’

Infantino hugged Klum before getting on with the early presenting duties at John F Kennedy Center

There were soon smiles afterwards when Hart and Infantino shook hands on stage

; ;