Infantino says FIFA must close financial gap between members

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stated that the organization is accountable for narrowing the financial disparity between its wealthy and less prosperous member nations. Infantino's assertion follows the collapse of his plan to sell a minority share in a new FIFA entity to investors, which would have allocated a 20% stake in the $20 billion project to private capital.

Speaking at a press conference in the Dominican Republic following a meeting with Caribbean Football Union representatives, Infantino emphasized the importance of expanding football across all 211 countries under FIFA's jurisdiction. He acknowledged that certain members may not seek growth for themselves, but the global body is tasked with fostering development in every nation.

Infantino faces a potential vote of no confidence from FIFA's most influential members, who have attended the CONCACAF under-14 Challenge Series in the Dominican Republic despite FIFA's president urging against his presence. The tournament organizer, CONCACAF President Julio Montagliani, contends that Infantino's attendance would overshadow the event due to mounting criticism surrounding his continued leadership. Infantino is set to face re-election next year.