Infantino defies FIFA vice president, makes appearance in the Caribbean

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended a Caribbean Football Union (CFU) youth tournament in the Dominican Republic, despite a request from CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani to reconsider his attendance. Montagliani had asked Infantino to stay away, citing the ongoing governance crisis surrounding FIFA's controversial plan to sell future World Cup profits. He believed Infantino's presence would distract from the youth competition, as media attention would focus on the controversy. Infantino posted photos of his visit on Instagram, showing him meeting with local officials. FIFA declined to comment on Montagliani's request.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended an Under-14 soccer event in the Dominican Republic, defying a request from CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani to stay away. Montagliani had asked Infantino to avoid the event to prevent media distraction during a "governance crisis" surrounding Infantino's now-withdrawn plan to sell World Cup profits to private investors. Infantino posted photos of his attendance on Instagram, meeting with local officials. This appearance comes amid a global backlash against Infantino's failed proposal, with some FIFA vice presidents seeking to end his presidency. Infantino has avoided public questions since the plan's revelation and evaded a reporter's inquiry about his resignation. He is seeking re-election for a fourth term in March.

CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has reportedly asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to skip a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend. Montagliani cited the "governance crisis surrounding FIFA" as the reason, stating that Infantino's presence would overshadow the event due to mounting opposition to his leadership. Infantino is facing pressure to resign from three confederations, including CONCACAF, following a controversial proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup. Montagliani expressed concern that media attention would detract from the technical nature of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) U-14 Series event, urging Infantino to reconsider his attendance.