Bonaire join CONCACAF as remaining non-FIFA sides gain full membership

There was great news for the non-FIFA teams in the Caribbean last night at the North American governing body's 28th ordinary congress. Bonaire, who applied to join the Caribbean Football Union 2 years ago, were accepted into CONCACAF as associate members. In further positive developments the 4 French overseas departments of Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and French Guiana had their associate status promoted to full membership. Sint Maarten, a Dutch constituent country, received the same treatment.

Shock...Bonaire celebrate their 2011 ABCS triumph

Bonaire became a special municipality of the Netherlands following the dissolution of the the Dutch Antilles in 2010 and took part in the maiden ABCS Tournament that year. The competition, which features 3 FIFA members Aruba, Curaçao and Suriname, is held yearly and Bonaire stunned the Caribbean football world when the won the trophy in 2011. On both other occasions they finished last but will hope for another strong performance when the host the tournament in their capital Kralendijk this August. The national team will now also be eligible to compete in the Caribbean Cup.

Gold Cup bound...Martinique at the 2012 Caribbean Cup

The upturn in fortunes for the non-FIFA sides continued as each association not affiliated with the world governing body were granted full membership. The decision to promote the active French outre-mer teams Martinique (who will play at this summers Gold Cup), Guadeloupe, Saint-Martin and French Guiana comes as little surprise. However the same promotion of Sint Maarten will raise some eyebrows considering their national team hasn't played for 13 years. Each association will now receive greater grassroots help and funding as well as television rights.