Infantino Confirms Re-election Bid During FIFA Congress
IslandStats.com
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially confirmed he will seek a further term in office, as football’s global governing body convened in Canada for its 76th annual Congress.
Addressing the 211 member associations, Infantino announced his candidacy for next year's presidential election on a day defined by record-breaking financial projections and lingering geopolitical tensions.
"The electoral period for the presidential election at FIFA starts today," Infantino said. "I am honoured and humbled, and I want to confirm to you that I will be a candidate for the election of FIFA president next year."
While the mood in the hall was largely celebratory, a notable absence loomed over the proceedings. Iran was the only member nation not represented at the summit, amidst ongoing uncertainty surrounding their participation in this summer's World Cup. Despite the escalating conflict involving the United States and Israel, Infantino remained resolute, reiterating that the Iranian national team "will be participating" in the tournament, which is set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico.
The Bermuda Football Association was well-represented at the high-level talks, with President Mark Wade, First Vice President Shannon Burgess, and General Secretary David Sabir in attendance to navigate a busy legislative agenda.
Beyond the politics, the Congress approved the 2025 FIFA Annual Report, painting a picture of a sport awash with unprecedented levels of cash. The budget for the 2027-2030 cycle foresees record-breaking revenues of $14 billion.
FIFA has pledged that this windfall will be reinvested directly into the game, with member associations set to benefit from an eightfold increase in development investment compared to the era prior to 2016. Furthermore, the FIFA Forward programme is expected to reach a new high of $2.7 billion, as the governing body seeks to solidify its financial dominance on the global stage.
Wednesday, April 29, 2026
King’s Baton is Unveiled Ahead of 2026 Commonwealth Games
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Minister of Tourism & Transport, Culture & Sport, the Hon. Owen Darrell, JP, MP, joined by Minister of Public Works and Environment, the Hon. Jache Adams, JP, MP, hosted the official unveiling of the King’s Baton as part of the King’s Baton Relay celebrations ahead of the 2026 Commonwealth Games. The event highlighted Bermuda’s uniquely designed baton, created by local artist Chyna Talbot, which reflects the island’s culture, natural beauty, and sporting spirit.
The baton forms part of a global relay connecting Commonwealth nations in the lead-up to the Games, and will ultimately be presented during the Opening Ceremony this July.
Minister Owen Darrell said, “This baton presentation is a proud moment for Bermuda, showcasing the creativity of our people and the strength of our sporting community. This beautifully designed baton tells our story on the international stage, and we are honoured to play our part in the journey to the 2026 Commonwealth Games.”
The event highlights Bermuda’s ongoing commitment to sport, culture, and its connection to the wider Commonwealth community.
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
St David’s Cricket & Golf Camp Announced for 2026
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St David’s Cricket Club has unveiled an ambitious multi-sport summer programme, offering youngsters in the East End a unique opportunity to sharpen their skills on both the pitch and the fairway.
The club will host a combined Cricket and Golf Summer Camp, aimed at boys and girls aged eight through 14. Set to run for four weeks from June 29th through July 24th, the programme is designed to provide high-quality coaching in a community-focused environment.
At a competitive cost of $150 per week, the camp aims to foster the next generation of Bermudian sporting talent. Organisers have confirmed a convenient payment structure, with all fees due on the Monday of each respective week.
In a move to support local business, St David’s Seafood will remain open for lunch daily, ensuring that participants have easy access to meals throughout the day.
Former Bermuda national player OJ Pitcher is spearheading the initiative. Parents and guardians looking to secure a spot for the summer can contact Pitcher directly at 441 536-1495 or via email at oj.pitcher83@gmail.com.
As Bermuda looks toward a busy summer of international and domestic sport, the St David’s camp represents a vital grassroots effort to keep the island’s youth active and engaged with two of the territory’s most beloved pastimes.
Friday, April 24, 2026
Lambe Returns to Galveston for Undefeated Showdown
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Bermudian southpaw Andre Lambe is set to make a high-stakes return to the ring as he travels back to Texas to defend his American Boxing Organisation North American welterweight title. The undefeated champion will headline a card at the Galveston Island Convention Centre on June 26th, putting his perfect twelve and zero professional record on the line against fellow unbeaten prospect Pryce Sparrow.
The bout marks a significant milestone for Lambe as it takes place exactly one year and one day after his previous outing at the same venue. On June 25th last year, Lambe produced the most clinical performance of his career to date, securing the regional belt with a unanimous points victory over the seasoned Kendo Castaneda. That victory established the Bermudian as a rising force in the division and set the stage for this summer's return to the Lone Star State.
In Sparrow, Lambe faces a dangerous and highly motivated opponent who arrives with a flawless five and zero record. The American is known for his aggressive style and technical foundation, ensuring that Lambe's first title defense will be a true test of his championship credentials. The scheduling of the fight keeps the Bermudian on his desired track of high-calibre international competition as he continues to climb the global rankings.
For the local boxing fraternity, the Galveston return represents another major step in Lambe's evolution under the guidance of coach Varo Pelon Andrade. Having successfully navigated eight-round territory against Castaneda, Lambe's return to the convention centre is expected to draw significant attention from both Texas-based fans and his dedicated following back in Bermuda. With both fighters entering the ring with their "0" intact, the June 26th clash is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated welterweight matchups on the regional summer circuit.
Thursday, April 23, 2026
Unbeaten Simmons Set to Headline 'Asheville Fight Night'
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Bone Breaker Promotions has announced it is "bringing the heat" to North Carolina this summer, with Bermudian standout Saundre “Dash” Simmons confirmed to put his perfect professional record on the line.
The event, billed as Asheville Fight Night, is scheduled for Saturday, June 6th, at the Crowne Plaza Hotels & Resorts. For Simmons, the bout represents a significant homecoming; though born in Massachusetts and raised in Somerset, Bermuda, the light heavyweight spent his formative years in Asheville and trains out of the nearby Bone Breaker Gym in Morganton.
Simmons enters the ring with an impeccable 9–0 record, having transitioned to the professional ranks in late 2023 following a decorated amateur career. The 28-year-old has quickly become one of the most clinical finishers in the division, boasting a 100% knockout ratio. His last outing in October saw him dismantle Mexico’s Francisco Rios in Mexicali, controlling the tempo with a punishing jab before forcing a third-round stoppage.
Promoters are promising a night packed with "action, energy, and nonstop fights," as they look to capitalize on the growing combat sports scene in the Blue Ridge Mountains. While an opponent for Simmons is yet to be finalized, the Bermudian—who recently cracked the top 20 in the United States light heavyweight rankings—is expected to face a stern test as he hunts for his tenth consecutive victory.
Doors for the event are set to open at 6:00 PM, with the first bell scheduled for 7:00 PM. For Simmons, a tenth professional win in his adopted hometown would provide the perfect springboard for a major title push later in the year.
