Fifa president Gianni Infantino deflected questions about his leadership and a controversial World Cup sell-off plan by telling a reporter “I’ll see you at the hairdressers,” according to Sky News. The exchange occurred outside a hotel in the Dominican Republic, where Infantino traveled to attend a youth tournament despite requests from regional leadership to stay away.
Infantino Confronted in the Dominican Republic Over Leadership Crisis
According to Sky News US correspondent James Matthews, Infantino was challenged outside a hotel in the Caribbean country over why he had not resigned amid mounting pressure from across the sport. Three continental confederations accused the president of “deception” last week regarding plans to secure private investment in Fifa tournaments. Meanwhile, European governing body UEFA has threatened a boycott of Fifa competitions after losing confidence in his leadership.
When Matthews asked Infantino if he had “betrayed the game of football,” the Fifa president replied, “You have a nice haircut. Thank you so much.” As Infantino stepped into a waiting black car, Matthews pressed further regarding calls for his resignation. Infantino responded, “I’ll see you at the hairdressers,” before departing.
Regional Friction Over Tournament Appearance
According to the Associated Press, Infantino defied a request from Victor Montagliani, the Canadian president of Miami-based Concacaf, to stay away from the Under-14 tournament in the Caribbean. Montagliani sent an emailed letter warning that Infantino’s presence would distract from the event.
“I believe that considering the governance crisis surrounding Fifa as a result of your controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, the media will focus on this situation,” Montagliani wrote in the letter. He added that the media attention “will unfortunately significantly take away from the technical nature of the CFU youth competition.”
Did you know? Fifa directly funds regional bodies like the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) with up to $5 million from each four-year World Cup cycle, according to Associated Press records.
Political Alignments Ahead of the Election
Despite friction with Concacaf leadership, Caribbean member federations are viewed as potential supporters for Infantino. According to Associated Press reporting, these federations could be peeled away from their regional leadership. Conmebol, South America’s governing body, has backed Infantino as its preferred partner to secure more matches at the 2030 World Cup, which the confederation wants expanded from 48 teams to 64.
Infantino is aiming to secure a fourth and final term in office through 2031 at the upcoming Fifa election congress scheduled for next March in Rabat, Morocco, according to Associated Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Gianni Infantino facing calls to resign?
Continental confederations accused Infantino of deception regarding plans to sell future World Cup profits to private investors, prompting UEFA to threaten a boycott of Fifa competitions.
When is the next Fifa presidential election?
The election congress is scheduled for next March in Rabat, Morocco, where Infantino aims to secure a fourth and final term through 2031.
Why did Concacaf ask Infantino to skip the Caribbean tournament?
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani wrote that Infantino’s attendance would cause media distractions regarding Fifa’s governance crisis, undermining the technical nature of the youth development event.
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