FIFA Gives Gelson Fernandes New Caribbean Oversight Role

FIFA has placed former Switzerland international Gelson Fernandes in charge of its member-association work across the Caribbean, separating the region’s administration from the rest of Concacaf. The Guardian reported that Fernandes will retain his existing responsibility for FIFA’s African members while also serving as the organisation’s liaison with 21 Caribbean-based associations.

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Concacaf, which governs football across North America, Central America and the Caribbean, had previously been handled as one administrative bloc within FIFA. Fernandes replaces Jair Bertoni as the principal liaison for the Caribbean. According to The Guardian, FIFA informed Concacaf and the national associations of the change last week without prior consultation.

FIFA confirmed the appointment in a statement, saying Fernandes would lead its regional team and work with Caribbean associations on football development. The governing body presented the move as part of president Gianni Infantino’s objective of making football global, citing Fernandes’s experience inside FIFA and his knowledge of development programmes.

Fernandes joined FIFA in 2022 as director of member associations for Africa and was promoted in 2024 to deputy chief member associations officer globally. The 40-year-old previously played for Switzerland and had spells with Manchester City and Leicester City. He works alongside FIFA chief member associations officer Elkhan Mammadov.

The administrative change comes amid political tension before FIFA’s presidential election in March. The Guardian said sources at associations in Europe and North America view it as an effort to divide Concacaf’s voting coalition. That interpretation has not been established as FIFA’s stated purpose, and the organisation says the appointment is intended to support football development in the Caribbean.

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani has not decided whether to challenge Infantino, according to the report, although he is seeking re-election to his confederation position. Infantino reaffirmed last weekend that he intends to seek a fourth term as FIFA president. Prospective challengers have until November 18 to enter the race, leaving the balance of support among regional associations under close scrutiny.