PANAMA CITY, Panama — Despite a sometimes dark past, CONCACAF is determined to forge ahead in building a stronger confederation driven in the main by the principles of transparency, accountability and development.

Its president Jeffrey Webb said the sub-continental body is at “a defining crossroads” as it meets his challenges head-on. “We must build on the pillars of transparency, ethics and development. Also, a real challenge is to unite our confederation and that must be one of our visions,” said Webb as he addressed the 38th CONCACAF congress at the Westin Playa Bonita resort here on Friday.

Webb, who was propelled to the post of CONCACAF president following the resignation of long-serving Austin ‘Jack’ Warner in the heat of the cash-for-vote scandal, said another goal of his administration is to bring the World Cup back to the confederation.

“It is my vision that in 2026, we want the World Cup to come back to our confederation, and we want to win, not just to compete,” he said.

At the congress, it was reported that CONCACAF is in “a very good financial position”. They have reported a cash reserve in excess of US$30 million, and corporate sponsorship and TV rights deal totalling US$300 million.

“We have some great economic partners, maybe because we sent the message that we have restored the confederation… our partners have gone from giving US$93 million to US$300 million,” Webb revealed.

The FIFA vice-president, who was elected unopposed for another term on the FIFA executive committee on Friday, said CONACAF is poised for greater things, and he invited the members to play their role in creating a bright future for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean.

“We are evolving, the transformation has begun… this is our time, we must protect the integrity of our game… we have a responsibility to those who have given so much,” he said.

“Delegates utilise your rights, but with responsibility… take your place and help make football better,” he urged.

At the congress, the CONCACAF welcomed four full new members to its 40-nation organisation. They are French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Martinique, St Martin/St Maarten.

Bonaire has been accepted as an associate member.

“This represents opportunity for full integration of culture in our region through our sport,” Webb said in welcoming the new members.

Meanwhile, in the only balloting exercise at the ordinary session, president of US Soccer Sunil Gulati defeated his Mexican colleague Justino Campean 18-17 in an open vote for the North American seat on FIFA’s Executive Committee.

Gulati, who was also running for the executive post for CONCACAF from the North America zone, withdrew his candidacy at the last minute, allowing for his counterpart, Canada’s Victor Montagliani to be elected unopposed.

Also, Jamaica’s Football Federation boss, Captain Horace Burrell, was elected unopposed as a vice-president of CONCACAF.

Burrell, who chairs CONCACAF’s Finance Committee, along with other Jamaicans Leighton McKnight (Audit and Compliance Committee) and Horace Reid (Competitions Director) also made presentations to the congress.

The confederation also signed a number of memoranda of understanding, including one with the United Nations, joining the latter in its fight against HIV/AIDS.

The election results were as follows

FIFA

Vice-President (Caribbean Zone): Jeffrey Webb (Cayman Islands) won unopposed

Member (North American Zone): Sunil Gulati (USA) prevailed over Justino Compeán (Mexico)

Gulati, who is also president of the US Soccer Federation, has been a member of the CONCACAF Executive Committee since 2007.

CONCACAF

Vice-President (Central American Zone): Alfredo Hawit (Honduras) won unopposed

Vice-President (Caribbean Zone): Captain Horace Burrell (Jamaica) won unopposed

Member (Central American Zone): Eduardo Li (Costa Rica) won unopposed

Member (Caribbean Zone): Luis Hernandez (Cuba) won unopposed

Member (North American Zone): Victor Montagliani (Canada) won unopposed after Sunil Gulati stepped down from position, following his election to the FIFA Executive Committee