UNITED BEHIND INFANTINO

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) will not be alone in backing FIFA President Gianni Infantino with fellow Caribbean associations of Trinidad and Tobago, British Virgin Islands, Antigua and Barbuda, and St Kitts and Nevis also on board. Infantino recently completed his tour of the Caribbean at the weekend with many critics believing the trip was used to try to secure votes as he seeks to remain FIFA president for another four years ahead of the body’s congress in Morocco in March. Infantino, 54, has led FIFA since 2016 and has faced increased scrutiny over the past few months after his controversial plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cup, to private investors.

This plan was eventually scrapped last month after widespread backlash. Infantino’s recent Caribbean visit was his second in a matter of weeks after attending the Caribbean Football Union Presidents’ Meeting in the Dominican Republic. He was advised prior by his FIFA vice-president and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani to stay away from the event.

His first stop was in Kingston on Friday where he met with JFF officials, including President Michael Ricketts, and attended the Reggae Boyz’s 3-2 win over Guatemala in the Concacaf Nations League at the National Stadium. Trinidad and Tobago Football Association President Kieron Edwards (left) sits with FIFA President Gianni Infantino during the Concacaf Nations League game between Jamaica and Guatemala at the National Stadium on Friday. (Photo: FIFA Media) As the Jamaica Observer reported on Sunday, the JFF will back Infantino in the upcoming elections with the board of directors in favour of him staying.

Ricketts told the Observer in August that he would support Infantino, given what he describes as massive support he’s given to football, particularly in the Caribbean. Ricketts reiterated his support for Infantino after his one-day visit to the island. “I think Infantino has done so very well for football globally,” he said.

“I remember when I got into football as the president, the support from FIFA was medial to say the least.It has been a lot better now and we are just very grateful and we are looking forward to further improvements so that we can impact not just football but the social well-being of every boy and girl who plays the sport.” Also in Kingston during Infantino’s visit was Trinidad and To…