The Confederation of African Football has reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he seeks re-election, positioning itself against opposition from European, North American and Asian football bodies.
The Confederation of African Football's Executive Committee has voted unanimously to support FIFA President Gianni Infantino's bid for re-election next March, marking a significant show of backing for the embattled leader. This endorsement comes as other major continental football bodies, particularly UEFA, have taken opposing stances. The European confederation announced it is committed to boycotting all future World Cups at every level while Infantino remains in his position.
Infantino has faced widespread international criticism over his now-abandoned proposal to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise and sell commercial rights to future World Cups. The plan triggered the strongest organizational revolt of his tenure, with national football federations complaining they were excluded from the decision-making process. CAF's backing represents a crucial advantage, as the African confederation comprises 54 of FIFA's 211 member associations and has consistently supported Infantino since he assumed office in 2016.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's commitment to review the processes that led to the controversy, while emphasizing the confederation's dedication to transparency and good governance in global football. Several influential African football leaders have publicly pledged their support for Infantino in recent days, including officials from Morocco, Egypt, Niger, Mauritania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Motsepe characterized his relationship with the FIFA president as one grounded in loyalty, stating he would not abandon supporters who have demonstrated commitment to African football.
