CAF President Patrice Motsepe(Left) and FIFA President Gianni Infantino(Right).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election, giving the FIFA chief the backing of one of football’s largest voting blocs at a time when his leadership is facing growing criticism from other parts of the football world.
CAF’s Executive Committee confirmed its support for Infantino, highlighting his relationship with African football and his backing for the continent’s development.
The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino,” CAF said in a statement, adding that it thanked him for his support for African football over the years.
The backing is politically significant because CAF has 54 member associations, giving Africa one of the largest blocs of votes in FIFA’s presidential election.
The support comes as Infantino faces criticism over a controversial proposal involving FIFA’s commercial rights. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have raised concerns over a plan that would have involved the sale of a stake in World Cup commercial rights.
The proposal was subsequently abandoned following opposition from football stakeholders.CAF, however, has maintained its support for Infantino.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has been particularly supportive of the FIFA president, emphasizing the relationship between FIFA and African football.
Motsepe has described Infantino in unusually personal terms, saying:
He’s not just a good friend. He’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa.” Motsepe said.
The CAF position gives Infantino an important political advantage as the 2027 FIFA presidential election approaches.
Africa’s 54 FIFA members could play a significant role in determining the outcome of the election, particularly if opposition to Infantino becomes more organized across other confederations.
The dispute surrounding FIFA’s commercial plans has also raised wider questions about transparency, consultation and governance within world football.
Infantino’s supporters argue that his administration has increased FIFA’s engagement with African football and expanded opportunities and resources for the continent.
His critics, meanwhile, have questioned aspects of his leadership and decision-making process.
CAF’s backing demonstrates that Infantino continues to enjoy substantial support in Africa despite criticism from other football authorities.
The coming months are therefore likely to be important for the FIFA president as he attempts to consolidate support ahead of the election.
With CAF’s 54 associations behind him, Infantino enters the next phase of the FIFA leadership contest with one of the world’s most influential football blocs firmly in his corner.
