• Meeting was attended by the Presidents of Concacaf’s Member Associations
  • President Montagliani highlighted the significant transformation that has occurred over the past eight years
  • New Finals for CNL Leagues B and C; Launch of Concacaf Academy

 

Orlando, FL – Concacaf held its annual Presidents’ Meeting in Orlando, FL, USA. The event was attended by Concacaf President and FIFA Vice-President Victor Montagliani, Presidents from Concacaf Member Associations, Concacaf Council Members, and important guests from the Concacaf football family.

The meeting provided a crucial opportunity to reflect on the eight-year transformation of the Confederation, highlighting significant successes and vital milestones achieved by Concacaf and its Member Associations. 

 

 

This has included the launch of the Concacaf Nations League, the introduction of revamped men’s and women’s national team calendars, and new men’s and women’s elite club competitions, which have driven increased global relevancy for clubs and leagues in the region.

Concacaf has also established and successfully implemented a range of initiatives to support its Member Associations to promote football on and off the field. These initiatives include the One Concacaf Program, the Executive Mentorship Program, and the Coaching Convention.

President Montagliani expressed his sincere gratitude to the Member Associations for their commitment to Concacaf and for growing all aspects of football in the region.

“Now that we have had this eight-year journey of coming together as One Concacaf, where we’ve put our fiscal, moral, and football house in order, we have earned the respect of the global football community.

“We have got to this point through tremendous work, underpinned by the commitment of our Member Associations. I take my hat off to them (the Member Associations); they’ve kept going, and they keep going because they know how important it is to work together.”

President Montagliani also provided key updates on Concacaf's initiatives and competitions, all designed to promote football across the region, both on and off the pitch. Notable among these updates is the introduction of the Concacaf Nations League Finals for Leagues B and C – starting with the 2026/27 edition. 

“The introduction of the Concacaf Nations League in 2018 transformed men’s national team football in Concacaf. The year-round tournament has allowed all Member Associations to consistently play meaningful and competitive matches and strive to reach their next level. All of this has led to increased exposure of teams and players internationally.”

“With the exciting addition of centralized Finals for Leagues B and C, every league will now crown its own champion and provide an unprecedented opportunity for all 41 Member Associations to compete for a trophy.”

President Montagliani also announced the launch of the Concacaf Academy as part of the Confederation’s ongoing efforts to support its Member Associations and develop off-the-pitch talent. 

“Building on the success of the Confederation’s Executive Mentorship Program, which was launched in 2019 and has enhanced the skills of senior leadership within Member Associations, we will now take professional learning to the next level with the launch of the Concacaf Academy.”

“The innovative online and in-person platform will be available to the staff of all Concacaf Member Associations and focus on three important pillars: Leadership, Administration, and Football.”

The enrollment process for Member Associations will begin soon, and the Concacaf Academy is expected to launch in early 2025.

Lastly, President Montagliani expressed his gratitude and acknowledged the nine inaugural members of the Concacaf Coaching Convention. The Convention is an agreement between the Confederation and its Member Associations and serves as the regulatory framework for standardizing coach education across the region. 

“The high standards for coaching and education established by the Convention are essential for the continued positive development of the Confederation. Through the Convention, our Member Associations gain access to the training and resources needed to deliver high-quality education to both current and aspiring coaches. They also have the ability to accredit coaches in their own regions with Concacaf coaching licenses.”

“I congratulate the nine founding Member Associations for successfully completing the application and evaluation process. I also thank them for their commitment to promoting coaching excellence, all as part of the One Concacaf vision.”

Anguilla, Belize, Cuba, Guatemala, Nicaragua, and Puerto Rico have been granted License C status, El Salvador was awarded License B, while Canada and Trinidad and Tobago achieved License A status. 

The Convention is designed to be flexible to the diverse needs of its federations, ensuring its benefits extend to coaches and football development across the region.

All Concacaf Member Associations can become convention members by applying for one of four license levels, ranging from the C License to the Pro License, the highest coaching award available across the region.