Gianni Infantino outlines ambitious football growth plan in the Caribbean

FIFA President Gianni Infantino traveled to the Dominican Republic to meet with Member Associations of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU). The visit took place on the sidelines of the CFU U-14 Challenge Series, a youth tournament supported by the FIFA Forward programme.

During his trip, Infantino held discussions with regional representatives, including CFU President Lyndon Cooper and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani. A primary focus of the dialogue was FIFA's mission to level the playing field between major footballing nations and the rest of the world.

We want to grow football in every one of our 211 countries in the world. We need to narrow this gap between the big, big countries and all the others...we need to give a chance to all the others. Gianni Infantino

Under the current FIFA Forward cycle, up to $5 million is provided to each regional organization to fund vital football initiatives. Infantino described this investment as essential for regional associations that previously lacked the resources to organize consistent activities for children.

Looking toward the future, Infantino announced plans for a new U-15 World Cup that will be open to all 211 FIFA member associations. The event is intended to serve as a "festival of youth," involving over 4,000 children. The FIFA President emphasized that 100% of generated funds from sponsors and broadcasters would be reinvested directly back into the game to facilitate this global growth.