The Confederation of African Football’s Executive Committee has unanimously endorsed FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election next March, marking a significant show of support amid international controversy. This backing contrasts sharply with positions taken by European and North American football bodies, which have expressed opposition to Infantino’s continued leadership. With 54 member associations out of FIFA’s 211 total, the African confederation represents a crucial voting bloc in the upcoming election.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the organization’s support while emphasizing the importance of improved governance standards within global football. His statement acknowledged FIFA’s commitment to reviewing the processes surrounding a failed proposal to commercialize future World Cup rights, which had sparked considerable backlash from member federations who felt excluded from decision-making. Motsepe stressed the confederation’s dedication to upholding transparency and proper procedures moving forward.
The African backing provides Infantino with crucial momentum as he faces his most serious challenge since assuming office in 2016. Several prominent African football leaders, including officials from Morocco, Egypt, Niger, and Mauritania, had previously pledged their support. This unified African position substantially strengthens Infantino’s position heading into the March re-election contest, despite persistent criticism from other continental confederations regarding his handling of the controversial World Cup commercialization scheme.
Originally reported by Aljazeera →
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