Infantino Visits Jamaica as FIFA Begins Caribbean Tour
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has arrived in Jamaica with an eight-member delegation during a four-country Caribbean visit, attending the national team’s match against Guatemala at the National Stadium in Kingston.
Why the visit matters for Jamaica and the Caribbean
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Delegation size | Eight FIFA representatives |
| Caribbean stops | Jamaica, British Virgin Islands, St Kitts and Nevis, Antigua |
| Jamaica departure | Saturday morning |
| Match attended | Jamaica vs Guatemala, National Stadium |
The trip comes after FIFA withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise commercial proposal following substantial international criticism. Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts said the proposal’s development had lacked sufficient openness, prompting opposition from several countries, but maintained that its intended purpose had been to assist smaller football nations.
Ricketts said he had forgiven Infantino over the handling of the project and stressed his appreciation for FIFA support. He also confirmed that Gelson Fernandez, the recently appointed FIFA official responsible for Africa and the Caribbean, was among the travelling group.
Infantino went straight from his arrival to the National Stadium to watch Jamaica face Guatemala. His Kingston stop is one part of a wider itinerary intended to strengthen FIFA’s relationship with Caribbean member associations ahead of his re-election campaign.
Ricketts backs Infantino despite regional tensions
The JFF president offered clear support for Infantino despite calls from some international organisations for the FIFA leader to resign. Ricketts said he hoped Infantino would retain the presidency when the next election is held.
He also acknowledged the difficult relationship between Infantino and Concacaf president Victor Montagliani. Ricketts described the friction as regrettable, while crediting both administrators for their work across football in North America, Central America and the Caribbean.
Infantino and the FIFA delegation are due to leave Jamaica on Saturday morning before continuing the Caribbean tour.
What remains to be decided
The timing and outcome of FIFA’s next presidential election have not been detailed, while the longer-term impact of the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal on relations with member associations remains unclear.
