Following FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s visit to Saint Lucia last week, two key stakeholders have commented on what his promises could mean for the island.
Infantino, who is seeking reelection for a fourth consecutive term at the 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, in March 2027, promised a US$25 million (EC$67.5 million) investment to support the growth and development of football in Saint Lucia. He also made announcements indicating a willingness to help redevelop the George Odlum Stadium in Vieux Fort.
Minister for Youth Development and Sports Kenson Casimir and Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) President Lyndon Cooper have both hailed the visit as a massive boost for football development on the island.
“We have a good vision, and we think that his visit has made it much more comfortable for us to solve the issues that concern not only Saint Lucia, but small island developing states,” said Cooper in a post-visit interview.
“His vision is going to benefit the restoration of George Odlum Stadium, and that was the intention. We have also indicated that we have not played football there for over 15 years, and it’s a challenge for us. His assistance in getting the stadium re-established, renovated together with SLFA and the government is going to benefit every single player in this country, [as well as] regional football and international.”
“I am very excited about this short trip that we experienced in Saint Lucia over the last two days,” Casimir told reporters after seeing Infantino off at the airport.
“I think this all augurs well for the overall vision for football development from the cradle to the grave in Saint Lucia.”
Neither official spoke directly to whether Infantino would have Saint Lucia’s support for re-election as FIFA boss.
However, if recent imagery, including the photo of Sports Minister Kenson Casimir alongside FIFA President Gianni Infantino and SLFA President Cooper holding an ‘Infantino 2027-2031’ Saint Lucian football shirt (pictured above) is any indication, the support could be mutual come March 2027.
