FIFA president Gianni Infantino made an unexpected appearance at an Under‑14 soccer tournament in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, even though CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani had asked him to stay out of the spotlight.
The sighting came as Infantino continues to defend a plan — dubbed the FIFA Forward Enterprise — that would hand over future World Cup revenues to private investors, a scheme that has drawn fire from soccer leaders and fans alike.
Critics say the proposal was being shopped to a group of investors led by Joshua Kushner, and the revelation prompted the abrupt termination of the project and the dismissal of FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, who had publicly questioned Infantino’s management style.
Pressure mounts on FIFA’s leadership
The fallout has sharpened a split between regional bodies. While Caribbean federations, who receive up to $5 million each World Cup cycle from FIFA, have signaled support for Infantino’s re‑election, the European, Asian and South American confederations have voiced opposition.
Infantino’s bid for a fourth term will be decided at a congress in Rabat, Morocco, in March, with candidates required to register by November 18. The episode underscores a broader battle over the sport’s governance and the future of its lucrative tournaments.