Infantino attends Caribbean football meeting, 'happy with support'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is in the Dominican Republic to attend a Caribbean Football Union (CFU) meeting in Punta Cana. He stated he is "happy with the support" he has received in the region, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and listening to different viewpoints, especially following recent events concerning his leadership of the international football body.

Infantino arrived Saturday and aims to continue a "fruitful collaboration" to strengthen football and create more opportunities for young people through the sport. He shared on social media that he received a "very warm welcome" and was discussing projects and ideas. The meeting coincides with a U-14 tournament for the region, supported by the FIFA Forward program.

During his visit, Infantino met with Kelvin Cruz, the Minister of Sports and Recreation, José Deschamps, president of the Dominican Football Federation, and other sports officials. He asserted that FIFA's "transformative work" over the past decade is recognized globally, aiming to make football grow everywhere.

However, Infantino's visit occurs amidst significant opposition to his FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project. The Concacaf confederation, to which the Dominican Football Federation is affiliated, has expressed "deep concern" over the project's lack of due process and short timeline. UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation have also questioned the plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors for approximately $4.2 billion.