Infantino and Concacaf Chief Meet in Dominican Republic Amid FIFA Investment Crisis

FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani met in the Dominican Republic, a gathering taking place amidst significant controversy surrounding Infantino's push to open FIFA competitions to private investors.

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I had a very valuable time with friends, colleagues and FIFA member association presidents who are also part of the regional association CFU.

The two football executives were present in the exclusive tourist zone of Cap Cana for a private assembly of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). This meeting occurred concurrently with a U-14 tournament organized by the CFU. While Infantino had initially been invited to the youth event, the backlash from organizations like UEFA and AFC over his investment plans led some organizers to suggest he avoid public appearances.

Despite the controversy, Infantino shared images on Instagram of his arrival and attendance at the tournament, emphasizing a "common objective" to make football a source of "joy, hope, and inspiration." It remains unclear if Infantino and Montagliani discussed the ongoing tensions between FIFA and continental confederations on the sidelines of the CFU events.

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We talked about important issues within the organization. We talked a lot about the needs that Concacaf and the CFU have with respect to resources.

However, the president of the Dominican Football Federation, José Francisco Deschamps, told AFP that Infantino "publicly apologized" for the controversial investment project during his meeting with CFU leaders. Deschamps described the assembly as cordial, focusing on football development in the region and the needs of Concacaf and CFU regarding resources, downplaying any conflict during the discussions.

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There was nothing of conflict.