CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has sent a letter urging FIFA President Gianni Infantino not to attend a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend, saying his presence would overshadow the event amid growing opposition to the leader.
Infantino is under pressure from three continental confederations, including UEFA (Europe), AFC (Asia), and CONCACAF itself (representing North, Central America, and the Caribbean), after a proposal to sell World Cup shares stalled.
The FIFA president could face a no-confidence vote from regional confederations. He arrived in the Dominican Republic this weekend and had planned to attend a tournament organized by the Caribbean Football Union (CFU).
In a letter sent to Infantino on Friday (local time) that Reuters obtained, Montagliani—who is also a FIFA Council Vice President—cited the “governance crisis surrounding FIFA” as a reason for the FIFA president to consider skipping the U-14 CFU Series.
“As you may be aware, your planned attendance has attracted significant media attention,” Montagliani wrote. “The media will focus on this situation, which unfortunately will significantly diminish the technical nature of the youth CFU tournament. Therefore, I respectfully suggest that you, in the name of football, reconsider your attendance, as it would harm the technical aspect of this important youth development activity.”
Al Jazeera Sport has contacted FIFA for comment but has not received a response.
In related developments, Infantino was welcomed at Punta Cana by Dominican Republic Minister of Sports and Recreation Kelvin Cruz. “We sincerely thank you for your visit to the Dominican Republic. Your presence certainly puts our country on the international football map and opens great prospects for the development of Dominican football,” Cruz said.
Infantino was also greeted by Dominican Football Federation President Jose Deschamps, National Football Commissioner Benny Metz, and Olympic Committee President Garibaldy Bautista Lorenzo.
Infantino is seeking a fourth term through 2031, but several national associations and key officials have withdrawn their support for the Swiss administrator.
