Antigua to Build 5,000-Seat Stadium as FIFA President Backs New Football Home

Antigua and Barbuda is set to get a new 5,000-seat stadium dedicated to football, following a commitment from FIFA President Gianni Infantino to support the country’s push for improved football infrastructure.

The announcement came shortly after Infantino paid a courtesy visit to Prime Minister Gaston Browne on Saturday during his visit to Antigua and Barbuda.

The proposed facility is expected to become the country’s home of football, although the location of the stadium has not yet been revealed.

Land has already been earmarked for the project, with Infantino giving his personal commitment to supporting its development.

The announcement followed a call from Browne for renewed attention to football infrastructure and greater support from FIFA for the development of the sport in Antigua and Barbuda.

Infantino arrived on Saturday afternoon as part of a regional tour and has been taking part in a series of engagements during his brief visit.

He met with executives of the Antigua and Barbuda Football Association, including President Ickford Roberts and General Secretary Zorol Barthley, for discussions on the development of football locally.

The proposed stadium is expected to provide a dedicated venue for football and could play a significant role in the country's efforts to strengthen the sport at both the national and developmental levels.

Infantino is also scheduled to attend the Benna Boys’ Concacaf Nations League match against Anguilla at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday.

The stadium announcement marks a significant development in the country’s football infrastructure plans, with further details on the location and construction of the facility expected to emerge as the project moves forward.