FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged a US$25 million (EC$67.5 million) support package to develop football in Saint Lucia, while signalling that the world governing body could also contribute to rebuilding the George Odlum Stadium.
The Swiss football administrator made the statements during a visit to Saint Lucia between Thursday and Friday.
On Thursday evening, at a cocktail reception at Government House, Infantino addressed an audience of current and former footballers, Government officials, and sports aficionados, and delivered the major announcement.
“I can announce to you now that as of next year, as of the 1st of January, 2027, US$25 million will be invested here in Saint Lucia – in infrastructure, in programmes, in development, in making dreams come true, because that’s what we have to do.
“For me, as president of FIFA, football belongs to everyone everywhere in the world. And as long as I’m president of FIFA, this will happen, because football belongs to everyone in every corner of the world. And we have to invest everywhere. We have to create opportunities and find the resources. And we will do that.”
Infantino’s investment pledge was welcomed by Prime Minister Philip J Pierre, Sports Minister Kenson Casimir, and Saint Lucia Semi-Professional Football League CEO Alvin Malaykhan.
His visit came ahead of FIFA’s presidential elections next March and formed the second stop on his latest Caribbean tour, in between visits to Guyana and Grenada. On his third trip to Saint Lucia since 2019, Infantino also spoke of support for a national playing facility.
“We have been speaking as well about doing more,” said Infantino. “We will speak about infrastructure, about the stadium, you know, a real national stadium. We have to work together, a jewel of the Caribbean that we’ll build here in Saint Lucia.”
Infantino visited the George Odlum Stadium in Vieux Fort, which has not been used for football in nearly two decades, having been pressed into service to accommodate the St Jude Hospital. But the stadium was top of mind at a breakfast meeting with Prime Minister Pierre, Minister Casimir, and Saint Lucia Football Association President Lyndon Cooper on Friday.
“As president of FIFA, to be able to give you a little contribution in what you are doing is a source of immense, immense pride,” said Infantino. “We are working together on a stadium project. Maybe we’ll announce something at some stage, but I think we made some great, great progress. Because we are all part of the same team.”
Infantino said he had spoken with the prime minister about mini pitches, talent development programmes and academies, as well as investment in women’s football. He also floated the possibility of having more organised inter-island club football across the region.
Before leaving Saint Lucia for Grenada, Infantino made a stop at Thomazo bakery in Dennery, where he sampled the locally made bread.
