CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani has asked FIFA President Gianni Infantino to stay away from a youth football tournament in the Dominican Republic this weekend, according to multiple reports. Montagliani said Infantino's presence would overshadow the event due to mounting opposition to his leadership.
The request comes amid a governance crisis at FIFA, with growing calls for Infantino to address concerns about transparency and accountability. The tournament, which features youth teams from the region, is scheduled to take place in the Dominican Republic.
Neither CONCACAF nor FIFA has issued an official statement confirming the request, but sources familiar with the matter told reporters that Montagliani communicated his concerns directly to Infantino. The move highlights the tension within football's governing bodies as they navigate the fallout from recent controversies.
Infantino has not publicly responded to the request. The tournament is expected to proceed as planned, with or without the FIFA president in attendance.