CAF president Patrice Motsepe requires good governance, as Africa throws weight behind FIFA’s Gianni Infantino.
Printed On 7 Aug 2026
The Confederation of African Soccer’s Govt Committee has unanimously confirmed its help for beleaguered FIFA president Gianni Infantino, at odds with its counterparts in Europe, North America and Asia.
On the day UEFA mentioned it’s committed to boycotting future World Cups in any respect ranges whereas Infantino stays in workplace, CAF’s prime decision-making physique late on Thursday sided with the FIFA president as he seeks re-election in March subsequent 12 months.
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CAF makes up 54 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, and is a strong voting bloc that has largely supported Infantino since he took workplace in 2016.
“The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its help for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his help for African soccer over the years,” CAF mentioned in an announcement.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s pledge to assessment the processes that led to the controversy which brought about the fiercest revolt of Infantino’s tenure as nationwide federations complained they’d been sidelined over the deserted proposal to promote a slice of the World Cup’s business future.
“CAF welcomes and endorses the “Joint Replace” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary Normal Mattias Grafstrom,” Motsepe mentioned, however burdened the necessity for good governance and transparency in international soccer.
“We’re dedicated to proceed working along with FIFA, its member associations, different soccer Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and cling to governance, due course of, and transparency international greatest practises and to contribute to the event and development of soccer worldwide.”
CAF’s help will present some aid to Infantino, who has confronted near-global condemnation for his aborted plan to set up the FIFA Ahead Enterprise (FFE) and promote business rights to the World Cup.
Earlier this week, 5 of Africa’s most influential soccer leaders issued statements in help of Infantino, whereas additionally welcoming the choice to drop his controversial plan to promote a stake in future World Cup income.
CAF vp Fouzi Lekjaa from Morocco and fellow FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida (Egypt), Hamidou Djibrilla (Niger) and Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania) all pledged to help Infantino.
Veron Mosengo-Omba, lately elected president of the soccer federation within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and former CAF basic secretary, additionally lent his voice in help.
Motsepe was additionally effusive in his reward for Infantino days earlier than the World Cup sell-off scandal broke.
“I personally help Gianni Infantino,” he mentioned. “He’s not only a good buddy. He’s a loyal buddy. He’s loyal to Africa. I come from a background the place when folks have been loyal to you, you by no means stab them within the again.”
FIFA itself issued an announcement on Wednesday fully backing Infantino.
