Infantino urges football powers to widen access for smaller nations

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has urged football’s most powerful nations to support broader development across the sport, saying smaller countries must receive more opportunities and investment. He made the appeal after meeting Caribbean Football Union representatives in the Dominican Republic.

Infantino said FIFA’s responsibility extends to all 211 member associations, not only the countries that already dominate international football. He acknowledged the achievements of the leading nations but argued that their progress should not prevent other associations from building stronger teams and competitions.

The FIFA president said development funding should help narrow the distance between the established powers and the rest of the world. His position includes expanding access to facilities, national-team development, young-player programmes and women’s football through the organisation’s wider investment work.

The comments come as Infantino faces growing political pressure ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have challenged aspects of his leadership and commercial direction, while several European and Nordic associations have also called for changes.

FIFA abandoned the proposed Forward Enterprise structure after opposition from major football authorities. The plan was intended to create additional revenue for development, but critics raised concerns about transparency and governance. UEFA was among those that questioned the proposal, while Infantino has continued to defend the broader aims of FIFA Forward.

He also stressed that FIFA decisions must pass through the organisation’s established procedures. Member associations, the FIFA Council and other relevant bodies are responsible for decisions under the governing rules. Infantino’s approach retains important backing in Africa, including from the Confederation of African Football, while Cameroon Football Federation president Samuel Eto’o has supported his efforts to increase opportunities for countries with less established football systems.