Caribbean football associations unanimously back Infantino for FIFA election

Gianni Infantino has won unanimous backing from the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) ahead of next year’s FIFA presidential election, adding the support of 25 voting associations in a region where FIFA funding is a stated priority.

The CFU, which has 31 members, announced its position after a meeting in Saint Lucia. Its statement pointed to financial support from FIFA and its importance to football development in the region. The other six members do not have a vote for the FIFA presidency.

FIFA has said its member associations will receive $25 million each between 2027 and 2030, up from $10 million in the previous cycle. Infantino also recently promised Aruba nearly €5 million towards seven artificial-turf pitches, according to the report.

Infantino is seeking a fourth term. The Asian Football Confederation has also announced support for him, while former Japanese football association president Kozo Tashima has said he will challenge him. Tashima needs endorsements from five member associations to qualify. Former Switzerland international Ramon Vega has also said he intends to stand, but has not shown that he has secured the required five endorsements.

Tashima’s challenge and the latest positions among football associations come as the contest takes shape; the Dutch FA has called for Infantino to leave, while the Swiss association has withdrawn its support for his re-election.