Infantino visits Dominican Republic for support amid FIFA crisis

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is set to visit the Dominican Republic this Friday, seeking political support from a region known for its loyalty and substantial voting bloc within the organization. The visit comes as Infantino faces increasing pressure to resign and as his bid for a third term faces challenges.

Infantino's brief 15-hour stay will involve meetings with members of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU), which comprises 31 associated members, 25 of whom are eligible to vote in FIFA. This meeting is particularly significant given the CFU's reliance on FIFA's financial aid. The visit has not been without controversy, with reports suggesting that the Concacaf office had previously asked the CFU to withdraw the invitation to Infantino.

However, the Dominican Football Federation reportedly supported maintaining the invitation, citing its advance request before the current crisis intensified. The crisis, fueled during the June/July World Cup, has led to significant backlash, including opposition from Concacaf, UEFA, and the African Football Confederation to Infantino's World Cup privatization plan. This plan has resulted in the resignation of FIFA executive members and calls for Infantino's departure.

Despite the opposition, some Concacaf nations, including Mexico, Barbados, and Antigua and Barbuda, have publicly stated their continued support for Infantino, breaking ranks with the broader confederation's stance. Infantino's previous visits to the Dominican Republic were brief, with his last being a five-hour visit in April 2017. He did not attend the U-17 Women's World Cup hosted by the country in 2024.