FIFA’s Infantino Attends Youth Soccer Event Amidst Controversy

Contrary to a request from a FIFA vice president, Gianni Infantino attended an Under-14 soccer event in the Caribbean. This move came amidst criticism of his failed proposal to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. Infantino shared photos on his Instagram account from a meeting with political and soccer officials in the Dominican Republic during a Caribbean Football Union (CFU) youth tournament at the Punta Cana resort.

The request for Infantino to abstain from attending the event was made by Victor Montagliani, the president of CONCACAF, to prevent any distractions from the ongoing soccer matches. Montagliani highlighted concerns about the media focusing on the governance crisis surrounding FIFA due to Infantino’s controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal.

FIFA did not provide a comment on Montagliani’s request but emphasized its financial support to regional bodies like CFU. Montagliani, along with other FIFA vice presidents, criticized Infantino for his alleged secretive plan to involve private investors in FIFA’s commercial activities.

WATCH | Can Infantino’s FIFA presidency survive after sell-off plan?:

Can FIFA’s president survive this? | About That

August 10|

Duration

2:10

Avneet Dhillon breaks down the open letter to FIFA from several soccer federations accusing President Gianni Infantino of deception over his proposal to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investors.

(Photo credits: The Canadian Press, Reuters, Adobe Stock and Getty Images)

Infantino canceled the controversial project in response to widespread criticism and public backlash. Caribbean federations are considered key potential supporters for Infantino amidst efforts by some FIFA officials to challenge his leadership. South American body CONMEBOL has expressed support for Infantino’s presidency, seeing it as beneficial for hosting more games at the 2030 World Cup.

Infantino has refrained from addressing questions publicly since the project was exposed. At an event in Punta Cana, he avoided a reporter’s inquiry regarding his alleged betrayal of the sport and the resignation calls. Infantino is seeking reelection for a final term in office at the upcoming FIFA election congress in Morocco.