CONCACAF requests Infantino skip youth tournament as governance crisis deepens
The CONCACAF president has formally asked the FIFA chief to reconsider his attendance at the CFU U-14 Series, arguing that media scrutiny of his leadership would overshadow the technical aspects of the competition.
Victor Montagliani, president of the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), has requested that FIFA president Gianni Infantino skip the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U-14 Series in the Dominican Republic. In a letter sent on Friday and reviewed by Reuters, Montagliani argued that the ongoing governance crisis surrounding FIFA would generate significant media attention, thereby undermining the technical nature of the youth development activity.
Montagliani, who also serves as a vice president on the FIFA Council, stated that the proposed attendance had already garnered considerable press coverage. He wrote that the media focus would unfortunately take away from the competition, asking Infantino to reconsider in the name of football. The request highlights the growing tension between the tournament’s sporting objectives and the political instability currently affecting the global football body.
The pressure on Infantino stems from his aborted proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup. This decision has led to calls for him to resign from three confederations: UEFA, AFC, and CONCACAF. With several national associations and key officials withdrawing their support, Infantino faces the potential of a vote of no confidence from world football’s regional powerhouses.
Despite the formal request to stay away, Infantino arrived in Punta Cana, where he was welcomed by Dominican sports officials. The visit appears to be viewed locally as a significant opportunity for the nation’s football sector, regardless of the controversies surrounding the FIFA president.
Dominican Republic Minister of Sports and Recreation Kelvin Cruz stated that Infantino’s presence puts the country on the international football radar and opens prospects for growth and development. Infantino was also received by Dominican Football Federation President Jose Deschamps, National Commissioner of Football Benny Metz, and Olympic Committee President Garibaldy Bautista Lorenzo.
Infantino is currently seeking a fourth term until 2031. While his supporters in the Dominican Republic emphasise the benefits of his visit, the formal request from CONCACAF underscores the institutional strain within FIFA’s governance structure. Al Jazeera Sport has contacted FIFA for comment regarding the outcome of the request.
