FIFA President Gianni Infantino defied a request by CONCACAF president [PERSON_NAME] to skip an Under-14 tournament in [ADDRESS], making a rare public appearance amid global furor over his failed plan to sell future World Cup profits to private investors. Infantino posted photos meeting officials from [ADDRESS] during the Caribbean Football Union youth competition.

[PERSON_NAME] had emailed urging Infantino to reconsider, warning that media coverage would inevitably focus on FIFA’s governance crisis and controversial proposal instead of the technical youth development goals. FIFA declined to comment on the request but noted it funds regional bodies like the CFU with up to $5 million per cycle.

The appearance follows widespread backlash that forced Infantino to withdraw the multi-billion dollar commercial spinoff project. Several vice presidents have accused him of deception, signaling growing internal division. Meanwhile, CONMEBOL continues backing Infantino’s vision for an expanded 2030 tournament.