The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed Africa’s support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
Motsepe assured Infantino that all 54 African football associations would offer Infantino their “unconditional support” as he seeks another term as head of world football. The announcement was made during the CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde on Thursday, October 8, 2026.
This endorsement boosts the FIFA President, as it represents a significant show of support for Infantino, who has faced criticism from sections of the international football community over FIFA’s leadership and a proposed commercial investment initiative that was later abandoned. Motsepe attributed Africa’s backing to Infantino’s contributions to the development of football across the continent.
The FIFA president has maintained a close relationship with African football leaders since taking office in 2016, with FIFA funding programmes supporting infrastructure development and other football projects across Africa. According to reports, Infantino highlighted approximately $1 billion in FIFA Forward investments in Africa, covering 124 projects, during his engagement with African football officials.
The backing of all 54 African member associations provides Infantino with substantial regional support ahead of the election, scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. However, the election is expected to attract wider debate over FIFA governance, transparency and leadership, particularly amid disagreements between football administrators in different regions.
Ahead of the election, Motsepe’s latest declaration reinforces CAF’s position behind Infantino as he prepares to seek another term as FIFA president despite the criticism from other federations.