‘#1 PRESIDENT’

The Jamaica Football Federation (JFF) looks set to back Gianni Infantino at the FIFA Presidential Elections next year following positive talks during his one-day visit to the island. Infantino’s trip was highlighted by his attendance at the Reggae Boyz’s 3-2 win over Guatemala in the Concacaf Nations League at the National Stadium on Friday. Infantino’s brief visit comes just weeks after JFF President Michael Ricketts told the Jamaica Observer that he would personally support Infantino and criticised UEFA, which called for his resignation. Infantino is under pressure following his unsuccessful plan to sell stakes in FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cup, to private investors. Infantino, who left Kingston on Saturday morning, is expected to visit Antigua and Barbuda, the British Virgins Islands, and St Kitts and Nevis over the next few days as he reportedly seeks support for his bid to remain FIFA President, with nominations set to close in November and elections set for March.

Jamaica’s Renaldo Cephas (left) tries to get by Guatemala’s Jose Morales during their Concacaf Nations League game at the National Stadium on Friday night. Cephas scored Jamaica’s winning goal in the 3-2 result. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

It’s his second visit to the Caribbean in two months after attending the Caribbean Football Union Presidents’ Meeting in the Dominican Republic. Concacaf President Victor Montagliani (also a FIFA vice-president) had requested that he not attend the meeting. The Guardian reported earlier this month that the Caribbean has been given a separate FIFA administrative arrangement under Infantino, which his critics view as an attempt to weaken the group opposing him. Ricketts told the Sunday Observer that the decision to vote for Infantino would ultimately be made by the board, and it’s understood that there is no opposition to that position, particularly given the warm welcome he received. Infantino arrived in Jamaica on Friday afternoon and made his way to the National Stadium following a brief stop at S Hotel in New Kingston.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino (second left) fist bumps a ball boy as Jamaica Football Federation President Michael Ricketts (third left) looks on ahead of Jamaica’s Concacaf Nations League game against Guatemala at the National Stadium on Friday night. (Photo: Garfield Robinson)

He and his delegation from FIFA were accompanied by Ricketts. Infantino and Ricketts watched the Jamaica and Guatemala warm-up sessions ahead of kick-off and greeted several players and staff, including Reggae Boyz interim Head Coach Rudolph Speid. During a photo and video session prior to match time, Infantino did not field questions about the reasons for his visit or FIFA matters, including his re-election. However, he told the Observer that he “was enjoying Jamaica very much” and called Ricketts the “number one president”. Ricketts told the Observer he was “excited” and it was a “great achievement to have the FIFA president here”. Infantino spent the duration of the match in the Royal Box in the Grandstand, where he sat with Sports Minister Olivia Grange and engaged in several discussions. It’s understood that one of those conversations centred on Jamaica’s bid to co-host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, with the official announcement expected in November. At the end of the match, Infantino continued making his rounds and had a short conversation with Reggae Boyz captain and goalkeeper Andre Blake. Congratulating Blake on the victory, Infantino said, “See you at the World Cup,” referring to Jamaica’s imminent push to qualify for 2030 edition after missing out on last summer’s World Cup in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Infantino and his delegation were then treated to a private dinner session at the One Park Restaurant and Lounge in Kingston, which included several JFF board members and staff. Infantino, who has served as FIFA president since 2016, previously visited Jamaica in 2018 during a FIFA Executive Summit in Montego Bay.