Bermuda’s football leadership was in the spotlight this weekend as Managua, Nicaragua, hosted the 41st Ordinary Congress of Concacaf, marking a decade of transformation for the regional governing body.
Representing the island at this milestone event were Bermuda Football Association (BFA) President Mark Wade, General Secretary David Sabir, and Executive member Jibri Smith. Their presence underscored Bermuda’s continued role in shaping the future of football in the North, Central American, and Caribbean region alongside delegates from all 41 Member Associations.
The Congress also served as a celebration of ten years of leadership under Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani. Montagliani first assumed the presidency in 2016 following a high-profile election in which he defeated former BFA President Larry Mussenden.
Presiding over the assembly alongside General Secretary Philippe Moggio and the Concacaf Council, Montagliani reflected on a decade of rebuilding the confederation on "stable foundations."
“Today we have earned the right to think long term, invest with confidence, and aim higher than ever,” Montagliani emphasized during his address. “As we step toward 2026, this is a moment to be proud, a moment to enjoy, and a moment to break through ceilings.”
The Congress was a working session as much as a celebration, with Member Associations reviewing and approving the 2026 budget. The assembly also held elections for the Concacaf Council, where Lyndon Cooper of St. Lucia was elected unopposed as Vice President for the Caribbean.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 looming, Montagliani congratulated the six nations already qualified and extended his best wishes to Jamaica and Suriname as they prepare for the FIFA Play-Off Tournament in March.
For Bermuda’s representatives, the Congress provided a vital platform to align with these regional priorities. Following the conclusion of the World Cup, the island's senior men's team will look toward the fifth edition of the Concacaf Nations League, seeking promotion and a spot in the finals.
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