In the face of growing dissent from various global football federations, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially rallied behind FIFA president Gianni Infantino, emphasizing the importance of unity and collaboration in international football governance. With pivotal elections on the horizon, CAF’s support not only strengthens Infantino’s position but also underscores Africa’s influential role within the global football community as it aims for greater transparency and good governance.
The Confederation of African Football’s Executive Committee has unequivocally expressed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, showcasing a divergence from the positions of football federations in Europe, North America, and Asia. This endorsement comes at a critical moment, as UEFA has publicly declared its commitment to boycott future World Cups while Infantino remains in office.
The CAF, which represents 54 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, forms a significant voting bloc that has consistently allied with Infantino since his inauguration in 2016. The executive committee stated, “The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe emphasized the importance of good governance and transparency in the sport. He welcomed FIFA’s commitment to reassess the controversial measures that sparked international backlash surrounding the abandoned proposal to monetize future World Cup revenues. “CAF welcomes and endorses the ‘Joint Update’ by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom,” Motsepe said. “We are committed to continuing our collaboration with FIFA and its member associations to uphold governance, due process, and the best practices that contribute to the development of football globally.”
This backing may alleviate some of the pressure on Infantino, who has faced widespread criticism for his halted initiative related to FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and the sale of commercial rights to the World Cup. Recent statements from five of Africa’s most prominent football leaders have reaffirmed their commitment to Infantino, coinciding with the decision to withdraw the contentious revenue-sharing plan. CAF Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco, along with FIFA Council representatives Hany Abo Rida from Egypt, Hamidou Djibrilla from Niger, and Ahmed Yahya from Mauritania, have all pledged their unwavering support.
Additionally, Veron Mosengo-Omba, newly elected president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and former CAF general secretary, joined in voicing his endorsement of Infantino. Prior to the scandal surrounding the World Cup revenue, Motsepe had spoken highly of Infantino’s character, stating that his loyalty should not be undermined. FIFA also reaffirmed its support for Infantino in light of the recent developments.
As international football governance faces pivotal challenges, CAF’s backing of Infantino not only reflects the organization’s commitment to African representation but also highlights a crucial moment for the future of football governance worldwide.
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