FIFA has a new president. Gianni Infantino has succeeded fellow Swiss Sepp Blatter as head of world football’s governing body.
Infantino visited Montserrat at the end of January as he campaigned for the Caribbean vote. The UEFA secretary general polled 115 votes, 27 more than closest rival Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim al-Khalifa.
Montserrat currently has several unfinished projects that are in need of funds from the international body. They include the building of a hostel to house sports team, and the junior football fields at the Blakes Football stadium.
It is hoped that his recent visit will encourage him to work expeditiously to approve funds for the advancing football on island.
Head of the Montserrat Football Association Vincent Cassell was in attendance to cast his vote in the very important elections, following the resignation and six-year suspension from football of the former president Sepp Blatter.
Infantino is a 45-year-old lawyer from Switzerland.
According to the BBC, an emotional Infantino told delegates that together they would “restore the image of Fifa and the respect of Fifa”.
He added: “I want to work with all of you together in order to restore and rebuild a new era of Fifa where we can again put football at the centre of the stage.
“Fifa has gone through sad times, moments of crisis, but those times are over. We need to implement the reform and implement good governance and transparency. We also need to have respect.
“We’re going to win back this respect through hard work, commitment and we’re going to make sure we can finally focus on this wonderful game.”
