SOCCER: Infantino plays in FIFA tournament ahead of Congress in Vancouver

FIFA President Gianni Infantino showed he still has a love for the beautiful game on the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress in Vancouver, taking part in the traditional FIFA delegates soccer tournament held the day before football's most powerful annual gathering.

Infantino starred alongside ex-players and officials on Wednesday (April 29), proudly holding the FIFA flag as the tournament got underway.

The competition featured a host of high-profile figures from the world of football, among them FIFA's Head of Global Football, Arsene Wenger.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, who said having the congress in Vancouver allows his hometown to showcase itself, was also in action.

Fittingly the Canada team emerged victorious, a result that drew loud cheers from those in attendance, including the three official mascots of the World Cup.

Infantino has been juggling multiple issues ahead of Congress, the last major gathering of football's global governing body before the World Cup.

The Iran war, World Cup logistical headaches and the unresolved question of Russia's international ban are set to feature in discussions among roughly 1,600 delegates from more than 200 member associations.

It is the first time Canada had hosted the annual event since Montreal did so in 1976.

-Iain Axon/Reuters