Gianni Infantino’s FIFA leadership faces fresh pressure after Caribbean tournament request

Gianni Infantino has been asked not to attend a Caribbean Football Union Under-14 tournament in the Dominican Republic, with CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani warning that the FIFA president’s presence could disrupt the competition.

Infantino arrived on the Caribbean island on Friday but was reportedly told to stay away from the youth tournament. According to Sky Sports, Montagliani, who is also a FIFA vice-president, informed Infantino that his attendance could unsettle the event because of the crisis currently surrounding the FIFA president.

The request represents a further sign of growing dissatisfaction with Infantino, who has been at the centre of increasing scrutiny. It is not reported as a formal ban from the Dominican Republic, but rather as an instruction that he should not take part in the Under-14 competition organised by the Caribbean Football Union.

A Sky Sports journalist encountered Infantino in the Dominican Republic, although the FIFA president avoided answering questions about the situation.

The latest development comes as Infantino’s position is also reported to be facing greater uncertainty among African football federations. The Guardian says Africa could prove decisive in the next FIFA election process, because the continent controls 54 votes.

A challenger seeking to remove Infantino from FIFA next year would need to secure 106 of the 211 available votes. That figure makes African support potentially important in determining whether Infantino retains his position or faces a serious challenge.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) continues officially to state that it unanimously supports Infantino. However, the Guardian reports that only four of the 21 members of CAF’s executive committee publicly expressed their backing for him at a recent meeting.

That apparent gap between CAF’s official position and the public support voiced by its executive members has added to the uncertainty around Infantino’s standing. While there has been no indication in the source material that he has been removed or formally challenged, the developments in the Dominican Republic and Africa point to mounting political pressure.

Infantino’s presence at the Caribbean youth event was considered capable of affecting the team and the smooth running of the tournament, according to Montagliani’s warning. The FIFA president’s decision to avoid questions when approached by Sky Sports also leaves the episode without a public response from him.

The incident therefore places a regional youth tournament at the centre of a wider dispute over Infantino’s authority. With Africa holding 54 votes and the next FIFA leadership contest requiring a substantial majority, the position of its federations could have a major influence on his future.