Lyndon Cooper, President of the St. Lucia Football Association (SLFA), has been elected President of the Caribbean Football Union (CFU) following the organization’s 48th Ordinary Congress at the Royalton Hotel in Cap Estate, St. Lucia, on Sunday. Cooper, who had served as Vice President of the CFU Executive Committee since 2012, was elected by acclamation, running unopposed in accordance with CFU statutes. His appointment marks the beginning of a new era for Caribbean football, as he aims to foster greater unity and development within the region while strengthening ties with FIFA and Concacaf.

With his election, Cooper will lead an executive team that includes Vice Presidents Michael Ricketts of Jamaica, John Krishnadath of Suriname, Jean Dartron of Guadeloupe, and Ivan Rivera of Puerto Rico. The executive members elected alongside them are Glen Etienne from Dominica, Anya James from the Bahamas, Girdon Connor from Anguilla, and Mark Wade from Bermuda. The new leadership team, which will serve a four-year term, will focus on advancing football across the region, leveraging partnerships with global football organizations, and enhancing the sport’s development at all levels.

In his first address as CFU President, Cooper emphasized his commitment to fostering collaboration among the 31 member associations. He reiterated the importance of strengthening relationships with FIFA, Concacaf, and key stakeholders, and pledged to work toward greater unity among the CFU’s English, Dutch, French, and Spanish-speaking nations. He called on members to embrace football as a unifying force, dismantling barriers and building stronger alliances. Recognizing the CFU’s evolving role in international football, he assured members that his administration would work tirelessly to enhance the region’s competitiveness and visibility on the world stage.

Outgoing President Randolph Harris, who initially took over the presidency in 2017 as Acting President before being officially elected in 2018, reflected on his tenure and the strides made under his leadership. He pointed to several key achievements, including restoring CFU’s credibility with FIFA and Concacaf, introducing the CFU U14 Challenge Series, launching the Next Generation Referee Course, transitioning the Concacaf Club Shield under CFU’s governance, and expanding capacity-building initiatives for member associations. Harris emphasized that his administration had prioritized accountability, integrity, and transparency, and expressed pride in the progress made to strengthen football development in the Caribbean. He encouraged the new leadership to remain united in their efforts, noting that the continued success of the CFU would depend on cooperation and shared goals.

The significance of Cooper’s election was underscored by the presence of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Concacaf President Victor Montagliani, both of whom offered remarks at the event. Infantino praised Cooper’s leadership and longstanding commitment to football, while also expressing gratitude for Harris’s contributions over the years. He encouraged CFU members to continue using football as a tool for positive change, reinforcing the sport’s impact beyond the pitch. Montagliani echoed these sentiments, commending Harris for his steady leadership and expressing confidence that Cooper would build on the foundation laid by his predecessor.

As Cooper assumes his role at the helm of Caribbean football, the CFU enters a new phase of development, with a focus on expanding opportunities for players, coaches, and referees across the region. His leadership comes at a crucial time when Caribbean football is striving for greater recognition and success on the international stage. With the backing of FIFA, Concacaf, and regional stakeholders, Cooper’s presidency is expected to drive growth, foster inclusivity, and create a stronger, more unified footballing community in the Caribbean.

Photos: Caribbean Football Union