The CONCACAF president urged Infantino not to attend the youth tournament because of the crisis at FIFA
Kyiv • UNN
Victor Montagliani said that Infantino’s visit would divert attention from the tournament because of the crisis at FIFA. Despite this, the FIFA president arrived in the Dominican Republic.
CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino not to attend the CFU U-14 youth tournament in the Dominican Republic because of a governance crisis in the world football organization. Reuters reported this on August 22 after seeing Montagliani's letter to Infantino, writes UNN.
Details
Infantino had planned to attend the Caribbean Football Union competition taking place this weekend in the Dominican Republic. However, Montagliani said that the FIFA president's presence could distract attention from the tournament itself amid growing opposition to his leadership.
In a letter sent to Infantino on Friday, Montagliani cited the "governance crisis surrounding FIFA" as a reason for the organization's president to reconsider his decision to attend the competition.
As you may be aware, your proposed participation has attracted considerable media attention
Infantino came under pressure from confederations
The FIFA president faced criticism from three confederations — UEFA, the AFC and CONCACAF — following an unsuccessful proposal to sell a share of the rights to the World Cup. Against this backdrop, regional representatives of world football are also considering the possibility of expressing a vote of no confidence in Infantino.
Montagliani said that Infantino's arrival could turn the youth tournament into a platform for covering FIFA's internal crisis.
...The media will focus on this situation, which, unfortunately, will significantly interfere with the technical nature of the CFU youth competition
Reuters contacted FIFA for comment on Montagliani's letter and his request.
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Despite the CONCACAF president's appeal, Infantino has already arrived in the Dominican Republic. In Punta Cana, he was received by the country's Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kelvin Cruz.
We deeply appreciate your visit to the Dominican Republic; undoubtedly, your presence in our country puts us on the international football radar and opens up excellent prospects for the growth and development of Dominican football
During his visit, Infantino also met with Dominican Football Federation President José Deschamps, National Football Commissioner Benny Metz, and Olympic Committee President Garibaldy Bautista Lorenzo.
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