WILLEMSTAD – Caribbean football associations have unanimously declared their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the organization's presidential election scheduled for March 2027. The endorsement comes as FIFA prepares to significantly increase development funding for its member associations, a move that could provide substantial financial benefits to football organizations across the Caribbean, including Curaçao and Aruba.
The Caribbean Football Union (CFU) announced its collective position following a meeting in Saint Lucia, where representatives of the region's football associations discussed the future leadership of world football and the importance of FIFA's development programs.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino sitting next to Prime Minister Gilmar Pisas (right) during a Curaçao match at the World Cup
The CFU represents 31 football associations across the Caribbean, 25 of which hold voting rights in FIFA presidential elections.
Both Curaçao and Aruba belong to the Caribbean football community, making the decision particularly relevant to the development of football on the two islands.
In its joint statement, the CFU emphasized the importance of FIFA's financial assistance, describing development funding as essential to improving football infrastructure, supporting youth programs, and strengthening football administration throughout the region.
The endorsement follows FIFA's announcement of a substantial increase in development funding for the 2027–2030 period.
According to the announced plans, the amount potentially available to individual member associations would increase from $10 million to $25 million.
For smaller football associations, such an increase could significantly expand their ability to invest in training facilities, football fields, coaching education, youth development, and organizational improvements.
These investments are particularly important in the Caribbean, where many national associations operate with limited financial resources and face challenges related to infrastructure, travel expenses, and the development of professional football structures.
Curaçao, which has gained considerable international attention through the achievements of its national football team, could benefit from additional investment in the next generation of players.
Increased funding could provide opportunities to improve training facilities, strengthen youth academies, and support the development of local coaches and technical personnel.
Aruba has also been identified as a beneficiary of FIFA's development initiatives.
During a recent visit to the island, Infantino pledged nearly €5 million toward the construction of seven artificial-turf football fields.
The proposed investment would represent a significant expansion of Aruba's football infrastructure and could improve access to suitable playing facilities for young athletes.
However, the Caribbean associations' collective endorsement also raises questions about the relationship between FIFA's financial development programs and the political independence of its member organizations.
In its statement, the CFU explicitly linked its appreciation of Infantino's leadership to the financial support FIFA has provided to the region.
This connection illustrates the importance of FIFA's funding mechanisms for smaller associations, many of which depend heavily on international development assistance to finance their activities.
At the same time, there is no indication that the announced increase in funding has been formally made conditional on supporting Infantino's re-election.
The distinction is important because FIFA development programs are intended to support football worldwide, regardless of the political preferences of individual member associations.
Nevertheless, the endorsement highlights how financial assistance and football governance can become closely connected within international sports organizations.
Infantino, 56, has served as FIFA president since 2016 and is seeking a fourth term.
He has developed considerable support among football associations in Africa, South America, Asia, and now the Caribbean, where FIFA's development investments have become an important part of his leadership agenda.
However, his presidency has also attracted criticism, particularly from several European football associations.
The Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB) is among the organizations that would prefer a change in FIFA leadership.
European criticism has focused partly on concerns about the increasing influence of commercial interests in international football and the direction of FIFA's governance under Infantino.
The upcoming presidential election could therefore reflect differing priorities among football associations.
For smaller countries and territories, development funding and access to infrastructure remain central concerns, while some larger European associations have placed greater emphasis on governance and commercial policy.
Several potential challengers to Infantino have been mentioned ahead of the election.
Japanese football administrator Kozo Tashima has emerged as a possible rival, while former Swiss international Ramon Vega has also expressed an interest in participating.
However, it remains uncertain whether Vega can secure the necessary support to become an official candidate.
European football associations have until November 18 to put forward a candidate.
French media have also mentioned former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger as a possible name in discussions surrounding the election, although no confirmed candidacy has been announced.
For Curaçao, the outcome of the FIFA election could have implications for the continued development of football at both grassroots and international levels.
The island's football ambitions extend beyond the success of its national team. Sustained progress also depends on investment in youth development, coaching, facilities, and the organizational capacity of the Curaçao Football Federation.
Additional FIFA funding could help address some of these needs, provided that the resources are allocated effectively and accompanied by transparent financial management.
The Caribbean Football Union's unanimous endorsement demonstrates the region's support for Infantino's leadership at a time when FIFA is promising significantly greater financial assistance.
As the March 2027 election approaches, the relationship between development funding, regional priorities, and the governance of world football is expected to remain an important subject of discussion.
For Caribbean associations, including Curaçao, the central issue will be whether the increased financial commitments translate into lasting improvements in football infrastructure, youth opportunities, and the long-term development of the sport.