Archive · 22 Aug 2026
FIFA Governance Revolt Deepens Ahead of Dominican Youth Tournament
FIFA leader Gianni Infantino planned to visit a youth soccer tournament in the Dominican Republic.
Victor Montagliani, a leading CONCACAF official, asked him not to attend.
Montagliani said the visit would make news about FIFA’s leadership problems more important than the children’s competition.
Infantino is facing opposition from several major soccer regions.
This opposition followed his abandoned idea to sell part of the World Cup.
Dominican officials welcomed Infantino and said his visit could help their soccer program.
Infantino is seeking another term as FIFA president.
The disagreement shows that soccer leaders are divided over his leadership.
CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani asked FIFA chief Gianni Infantino to skip a youth tournament in the Dominican Republic.
Montagliani said Infantino’s attendance would draw attention to FIFA’s governance crisis and overshadow the CFU U-14 Series.
Infantino faces opposition from UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF after an aborted proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup.
Infantino was welcomed in Punta Cana by Dominican officials, including Sports Minister Kelvin Cruz.
Infantino is seeking a fourth term through 2031 as some associations and officials withdraw their support.
- Who
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani are the central figures, with Dominican officials welcoming Infantino.
- What
- Montagliani asked Infantino not to attend the Caribbean Football Union U-14 Series because of FIFA’s governance crisis.
- When
- The request was made in a letter sent Friday; the tournament and Infantino’s visit were scheduled for this weekend.
- Where
- The event is in the Dominican Republic, with Infantino received in Punta Cana.
- Why
- Montagliani said Infantino’s presence would attract media attention to the leadership dispute and overshadow the youth tournament.
Opposition to attendance
Support for visit
Effect on the youth tournament
Opposition to attendance
Victor Montagliani said media attention surrounding FIFA’s governance crisis would undermine the technical focus of the CFU U-14 Series.
Support for visit
Dominican officials welcomed Infantino and presented his visit as an opportunity to raise the country’s international soccer profile and support development.
Infantino’s leadership
Opposition to attendance
UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF are described as opposing Infantino, while some national associations and key officials have withdrawn their support.
Support for visit
Infantino continues to seek a fourth term through 2031 and received public support and hospitality from senior Dominican officials during his visit.
- Tournament
- Caribbean Football Union U-14 Series
- Location
- Dominican Republic
- Requesting official
- Victor Montagliani, CONCACAF president
- FIFA president
- Gianni Infantino
- Opposition
- UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF are identified as opposing Infantino’s leadership.
- Leadership plans
- Infantino is seeking a fourth term through 2031.
- Reason for dispute
- An aborted proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup contributed to the opposition.