The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, placing the organisation at odds with football bodies in Europe, North America and Asia that have criticised his leadership.
CAF’s backing comes as Infantino prepares to seek re-election in March next year, with the African confederation’s 54 member associations representing a significant voting bloc within FIFA’s 211-member structure. Since taking office in 2016, Infantino has maintained strong support across African football. In a statement, CAF said its Executive Committee had “unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years.”
The decision follows growing criticism of Infantino after controversy surrounding his abandoned proposal to create the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and sell a stake in the commercial rights to future World Cup revenues. National federations had raised concerns that they were excluded from discussions over the plan.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s decision to review the processes that led to the controversy, while also emphasising the importance of transparency and good governance within world football. “CAF welcomes and endorses the ‘Joint Update’ by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom,” Motsepe said.
He added: “We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide.”
CAF’s support provides a boost for Infantino, who has faced significant opposition over the proposed World Cup commercial rights deal. The controversy has been described as one of the biggest challenges of his presidency, with several football organisations expressing concern over the decision-making process.
Earlier in the week, some of Africa’s most influential football figures publicly backed Infantino while welcoming the withdrawal of the proposal. Among those supporting the FIFA president were CAF vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco and FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Hamidou Djibrilla of Niger and Ahmed Yahya of Mauritania.
Former CAF general secretary and newly elected president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Veron Mosengo-Omba, also expressed support for Infantino.
Motsepe has previously spoken highly of the FIFA president, praising his relationship with African football and highlighting Infantino’s support for the continent.
“I personally support Gianni Infantino,” Motsepe said. “He’s not just a good friend. He’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa. I come from a background where when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back.”
CAF’s decision contrasts with UEFA’s recent stance, after European football’s governing body indicated it would consider boycotting future World Cups at all levels while Infantino remains FIFA president. The split highlights the growing divisions within global football governance as Infantino seeks to strengthen his position ahead of the next election.