January 15 – CONCACAF chief Victor Montagliani has wasted no time moving into trouble-shooting mode in the wake of Donald Trump’s “shithole” slur that will do little to find favour among FIFA’s federations as the bid for the 2026 World Cup enters a key phase.
The triple US-Canada-Mexico bid is firm front-runner to beat sole rivals Morocco and land the tournament but Trump’s remarks, which have been branded as racist, is being seen as an unwanted setback in the campaign.
His comments come at a highly inopportune time, with the vote due in June just before the 2018 World Cup in Russia and lobbying about to move into overdrive
Montagliani took a leaf out of Trump’s communications strategy by taking to Twitter to address the US president’s remarks.
“In the footballing community we understand that diversity of experience and background provides strength to the team,” Montagliani wrote.
“The @CONCACAF family stands alongside those in and from Haiti, El Salvador and around the world, in reminding that all are welcome on the field. #UNITY”
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