ZURICH, Switzerland — In a milestone achievement for Saint Lucian football, three of the island’s football figures have been appointed to standing committees of FIFA, the world’s governing body for the sport.
The appointments, confirmed following the October 2 FIFA Council Meeting in Zurich, will see the trio serve on key committees during the 2025–2029 cycle — a rare and distinguished recognition of Saint Lucia’s growing influence within the global football fraternity.
Saint Lucian trio takes global stage
Leading the way is Lyndon Cooper, president of the Saint Lucia Football Association (SLFA) and head of the Caribbean Football Union, who has been named deputy chair of the FIFA Development Committee.
Joining him are Examin Philbert, president of the Vieux Fort Football League, appointed to the FIFA Women’s National Team Competitions Committee, and Dr. Natasha Innocent, who will serve on the FIFA Medical Committee — a vital body that oversees player welfare, health standards, and medical research initiatives.
Their appointments were made after a comprehensive consultation process involving FIFA’s member associations and regional confederations to ensure broad representation and technical expertise across the sport’s governance framework.
Recognition of rising standards
Cooper, reflecting on the achievement, said the appointments were both a national honor and a reflection of the work being done to elevate the game within Saint Lucia and the wider Caribbean.
“I wish to take this opportunity to extend my congratulations to Examin Philbert and Natasha Innocent on their respective appointments,” Cooper said. “The fact that their ability and work ethic have been recognized at the highest level of the sport speaks volumes.
“It should tell you that, as a country, we are on the right track in football when individuals who are involved in the growth of the game locally are being called to serve at higher levels.”
FIFA’s endorsement
In an official statement, the Saint Lucia Football Association noted that FIFA had expressed its “pleasure and honour in extending these appointments,” commending the “continued contribution and commitment of Saint Lucians to the development of football globally.”
The organization’s standing committees report directly to the FIFA Council, providing advice, oversight, and strategic guidance within their specialized areas. Their composition, authority, and responsibilities are outlined under the FIFA Governance Regulations.
Infantino: “FIFA will be better equipped to face the future”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino underscored the significance of the new committee appointments, emphasizing the importance of diversity, expertise, and inclusivity in shaping the sport’s global direction.
“The new Standing Committees will lead to greater involvement of our member associations, the confederations, and other stakeholders in our decision-making processes,” Infantino said. “They will also bring increased female representation and more focused technical expertise in various areas relevant to football.
“In other words, FIFA will be better equipped to face the future.”
A step forward for the Caribbean
The appointments mark a proud moment not only for Saint Lucia but for the Caribbean football community at large, showcasing the region’s growing voice in shaping global football policy and development.
For Cooper, Philbert, and Dr. Innocent, the next four years will offer both an opportunity and a responsibility — to represent the island on the world stage and to contribute meaningfully to the sport’s continued evolution.
