Despite being asked to stay away, Infantino used the CFU gathering to lobby for re-election votes, risking key support ahead of his campaign.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has drawn significant criticism from numerous Concacaf nations following his controversial appearance at a recent Caribbean Football Union (CFU) meeting in the Dominican Republic. His unexpected presence, aimed at campaigning for re-election, has infuriated members who had explicitly asked him to stay away.
Infantino reportedly used the gathering in Punta Cana to announce FIFA-funded development projects, some delayed for months and worth millions of dollars. However, multiple sources present indicated his primary goal was to lobby for votes among Caribbean countries, potentially creating a divide within Concacaf.
This move risks alienating crucial support Infantino needs for his re-election bid, especially as Concacaf has previously aligned with UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation in calling for his resignation after the World Cup “sell-off debacle,” according to reporting by The Guardian - Sport.
Concacaf President's Request Ignored by FIFA Chief
Concacaf President Victor Montagliani had directly appealed to Infantino, requesting he reconsider his attendance at the CFU event. In a letter dispatched on Friday, Montagliani urged the FIFA president “in the name of football to reconsider your attendance,” highlighting that his presence would divert attention from a concurrent regional under-14 tournament. Despite this personal entreaty, Infantino arrived at the Punta Cana resort with a substantial FIFA entourage. This group included Secretary General Mattias Grafström and Elkhan Mammadov, a staunch ally serving as Director of Member Associations.
FIFA Re-Election Campaign Lobbying in Caribbean
Before publicly announcing the delayed funding pledges, Infantino's team reportedly engaged in individual discussions with member associations, specifically lobbying for their support. Mammadov, who plays a central role in maintaining relations with FIFA's 211 members, has been actively involved in efforts to keep them “onside” since the “Fifa Forward Enterprise scandal” emerged. His persistent approach has reportedly caused significant disquiet within some quarters. This aggressive lobbying is seen as an attempt to garner election votes among Caribbean nations, potentially creating a rift within the Concacaf bloc.
Concacaf Opposition to Gianni Infantino
The Concacaf leadership has been clear in its position regarding Infantino's tenure, having previously joined forces with UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation to demand his resignation. Their call came in the wake of controversies surrounding the “World Cup sell-off debacle.” The current frustration within Concacaf echoes prior complaints lodged by the Jordan FA, whose president, Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, accused Infantino of bribery earlier this month. Prince Ali alleged that his country had not received prize money from last year’s Arab Cup due to their failure to endorse the FIFA president.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Gianni Infantino asked to stay away from the CFU meeting?
Concacaf President Victor Montagliani asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to reconsider attending the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) meeting to prevent his presence from overshadowing a regional under-14 tournament being held concurrently.
What was Infantino's main objective at the Caribbean Football Union meeting?
Gianni Infantino's primary objective at the CFU meeting was to lobby for re-election votes among Caribbean football associations. He also announced FIFA-funded development projects worth millions, which had been previously delayed.
How has Concacaf reacted to Infantino's behavior?
Concacaf nations, whose president Victor Montagliani had requested Infantino's absence, were infuriated by his decision to attend and use the meeting for lobbying. Concacaf has previously joined UEFA and the AFC in demanding Infantino's resignation.
What previous accusations have been made against Gianni Infantino?
Prince Ali bin al-Hussein, President of the Jordan FA, accused Gianni Infantino of bribery, claiming Jordan did not receive prize money from the Arab Cup due to their non-endorsement of the FIFA President.