Grenada backs Infantino and refuses to recognize actions bypassing FIFA procedures

Another CONCACAF member has diverged from the confederation's position — and from the position of its own regional union

The Grenada Football Association has issued an official statement in support of FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The document was published on the association's official Instagram page.

The organization welcomed Infantino's decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise project and noted the promptness of this step, seeing in it "evidence of President Infantino's commitment to prioritizing the preservation of strong unity among member associations and confederations."

The key wording follows: "Furthermore, the GFA will not support or recognize any actions by any member association or confederation that threaten to bypass or undermine the established institutional processes within FIFA."

At the same time, the association emphasizes its commitment to the "principles of good governance, due process and transparency," calling them "fundamental and non-negotiable."

A break with two structures at once

Grenada is a member of CONCACAF, which on August 10, together with UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation, signed an open letter demanding a change of FIFA leadership and an independent audit.

But the association is also a member of the Caribbean Football Union, which on August 11, together with the soccer federations of the United States and Canada and the Central American Football Union, called for "meaningful changes that will strengthen FIFA's governance, transparency and accountability."

The wording about not recognizing actions by "any confederation" that bypass procedures is addressed directly to both structures of which Grenada is a member.

As 1news.az reported, this is not the first such case: earlier, Mexico publicly diverged from CONCACAF's line, and Qatar and Lebanon from the position of the Asian confederation. It is not the confederations that vote at the FIFA Congress but 211 national associations by roll call, and a statement by a governing body does not bind its members.

The argument of the small federations

A separate part of the statement explains the motives for the support. The association notes the "unprecedented financial and technical support provided by FIFA under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino to the development of football in Grenada over the past decade, especially in promoting grassroots, girls' and women's football."

Then follows an argument that is being heard from different corners of the world in the current dispute: "As part of President Infantino's vision, the increased focus on enabling small member associations to participate meaningfully in international football competitions is already bringing tangible results. Over the past few years, our national teams have traveled far and wide as never before to take part in various competitions and friendly matches. The remarkable progress of Cape Verde, demonstrated by its recent participation in the World Cup, is a compelling example of what can be achieved through expanded opportunities and support for small football nations."

In conclusion, the association reaffirms its support for Infantino and thanks him for facilitating the development of football "in Grenada and throughout the Caribbean during his term in office and for years to come."

The Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan has not publicly stated its position on the situation in FIFA.