(CMC) — President of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association (ABFA) Ickford Roberts has revealed that the association is still backing embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino because of his focus on assisting smaller football nations like those in the Caribbean.

ABFA’s support for Infantino comes amidst severe backlash and calls for him to resign following a scrapped plan to sell a US$4.2-billion private equity stake in the commercial rights for FIFA’s tournaments, including the World Cups.

Major confederations like UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC condemned the move, demanding independent oversight.

However, in a recently released statement ABFA described Infantino as a visionary leader whose tenure had reshaped the global football landscape.

The association highlighted FIFA’s increased investment in grass roots football infrastructure and the expansion of World Cup participation as key developments from which emerging football nations hav benefited.

“His transformative policies — from groundbreaking investment in grass roots infrastructure to the historic expansion of World Cup access — have elevated the aspirations of emerging football nations into attainable realities.

“By listening with genuine humility and acting with decisive conviction he has forged a legacy of inclusivity that transcends the sport itself, affirming that every nation, regardless of size, deserves equal voice and fair opportunity on the world stage,” the statement read.

ABFA also praised Infantino for what it described as his willingness to listen to smaller member associations and act on their concerns.

“President Infantino has stood as an unwavering champion of equity,” the association said, maintaining that every nation, regardless of size, should have an equal voice and fair opportunity on the international stage.

The association reaffirmed its confidence in Infantino’s continued leadership, expressing the view that FIFA’s role in using football to promote unity, hope and opportunity can be strengthened further under his stewardship.

This article was originally published by Antigua News Room. Read the original article here: Antigua and Barbuda FA backs embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino.