Miami, FL (Saturday, October 26, 2021) – Concacaf today held its 36th Ordinary Congress. Delegates from Concacaf’s Member Associations joined virtually to look back on the excellent progress made in 2021 despite the region and all Members being significantly impacted by the global pandemic.

Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani presided over the Congress, alongside Concacaf General Secretary Philippe Moggio and members of the Concacaf Council.

President Montagliani began the Congress by paying tribute to former St. Kitts and Nevis Football Association President Anthony Johnson, who very recently passed away. Mr. Johnson was a valued member of the Concacaf family and the thoughts of everyone at Concacaf and its 41 Member Associations are with his loved ones.

The meeting provided an opportunity to reflect on the 11 Concacaf competitions delivered so far in 2021, including what was the biggest ever Gold Cup, featuring 24 Concacaf Men’s National Teams and a guest, the Qatar National Team. Delegates also looked back on the significant work carried out off the pitch, which included the creation of an entirely new Concacaf Women’s National Team competitions calendar and a new Concacaf club ecosystem which incorporates an expanded Concacaf Champions League commencing in 2024.

President Montagliani praised all Concacaf Member Associations for their commitment to the important financial governance measures delivered over the past five years, including outlining how they laid the foundations for the recent decision by the United States Department of Justice to return to Concacaf $70m of misappropriated football development funds.

Excerpts from President Montagliani’ s address to all 41 Concacaf Member Associations:

“Our region, like everywhere in the world, has continued to suffer this year due to the huge difficulties associated with the global pandemic.

“We have shown incredible resilience and we have come together as a Concacaf family to deliver football again for the love of the game, for our region and for our fans.

“I have spoken to you in the past about earning the right to think long term and never more than now have I believed that to be the case for Concacaf.

“Your commitment and love for the game has inspired us and enabled us reach heights in 2021 that this time last year were unthinkable.

“Working with you, and working for you, so far this year we have delivered 11 Concacaf competitions, including an outstanding 2021 Gold Cup which delivered on all fronts, on and off the pitch.

“Your commitment to improved financial governance structures, and to the football first philosophy we have now championed for five years delivered a groundbreaking moment for Concacaf. 

“After a long process which included our collective support for the US Department of Justice process, and our commitment to delivering governance reforms and best practices, this year the landmark decision was made to provide remission funds to Concacaf. This will see $70m reinvested in the development of football in our region.

“These funds will be strictly managed by the FIFA Foundation, with continued oversight from the United States DoJ, and will be invested in football development – the purpose for which they were originally intended. I think you will all agree this has the potential to be truly transformational for the growth of football in our great region.”

“Football is truly thriving in our Confederation, on and off the pitch, and I commend all of you for your commitment to putting the game first.”

The Congress also included the appointment of several FIFA and Concacaf Council positions and the approval of the minutes of the 35th Ordinary Congress, which took place in Miami, FL, on Wednesday, July 7.

As part of this 36th Ordinary Congress, uncontested elections were conducted for the following Concacaf Council and FIFA Council positions:

Concacaf Council

  • Vice President (Central America): Rodolfo Villalobos (Costa Rica), reelected
  • Member (Caribbean): Maurice Victoire (Martinique) reelected
  • Member (North America): Nick Bontis (Canada), elected

FIFA Council

  • Member (North America): Yon de Luisa (Mexico), elected

Outgoing FIFA Council member Sunil Gulati and outgoing Concacaf Council member Carlos Cordeiro were both thanked for their years of committed service to Concacaf and the development of the game in the region.

The Concacaf Congress took place the week before the Final of the 2021 Scotiabank Concacaf Champions League. The single-leg match between CF Monterrey (MEX) and Club America (MEX) is scheduled for Thursday, October 28 in Monterrey’s Estadio BBVA. The winner will be crowned regional club champion and will represent the Confederation at the 2021 FIFA Club World Cup. More information on the final can be found here.