By Paul Nicholson in the Bahamas
April 16 – CONCACAF president Jeffrey Webb used his opening remarks at the confederation’s congress in the Bahamas to acknowledge the progress they have made as a group but to reset their goals for the next stages of reform and building.
“Two years ago we had a platform of unity, development and inclusiveness. They were lofty goals and I acknowledge they were possibly unattainable. We should all be proud,” said Webb.
“We have had many victories; some small, some big, all significant. We are united by one vision – we are strong and cohesive. The invisible barriers that hampered our region’s progress for decades are disappearing…
“We have reshaped football in our territory and have created a culture of transparency and accountability. We have proven an open and collaborative approach is possible.”
Webb, who was relected unopposed as CONCACAF president went on to say that the reform process “must continue” and that new partnerships must be built.
Webb used the platform to set the agenda for his confederation for the next four years around four priority areas; the making of a more democratic and inclusive CONCACAF; the further empowerment of CONCACAF members and the raising of club football in the region; proactive leadership and increased reputation on the world stage to turn CONCACAF into a global powerhouse; and an increased investment in development with plans for the future to take this spend up to 70% of CONCACAF’s total revenue.
“We are building a long lasting legacy for CONCACAF,” saud Webb. “Our ultimate goal is to educate, develop and win. We must go from 2018 to 2022 and to here in 2026 at home. I used to play the game to win. Now in 2026 we want to win the World Cup,” said Webb.
It was a message that hit a chord with the congress delegates who Webb then cautioned that “challenges exist on our game. But this generation will meet those challenges.”
Referring to football played on the pitch, rather than the politics of the game, Webb insisted that: “The FIFA landscape will change. We will be part of that change and help reset world football on a global scale.”
He could equally have been talking about the politics of the sport.
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