CAF has unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, throwing its full weight behind the global football chief despite a fierce European revolt that saw UEFA threaten to boycott future World Cups.
The endorsement came after CAF’s Executive Committee [EXCO] met to review a “Joint Update” issued by Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström regarding the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise [FFE].
The proposed $20 billion [R335.8 billion] commercial initiative—which sought to sell up to a 20% stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights to private equity investors—sparked global outrage and was officially scrapped following widespread condemnation.
While UEFA’s 55 member associations took an unprecedented stance most recently, declaring the World Cup “is not for sale” and threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions while Infantino remains in office, Africa’s governing body chose to close ranks behind the Swiss-Italian administrator as he prepares to seek re-election in March 2027.
In an official statement released on Thursday night, CAF welcomed the decision to drop the proposal and accepted FIFA’s apology for the lack of consultation with member federations.
MOTSEPE EMPHASISES TRANSPARENCY AND GOVERNANCE
“CAF welcomes and endorses the “Joint Update” by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström,” said said CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe. “CAF will continue to focus on making African Football amongst the best in the world and is reaffirming its commitment to adhering to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices.
“For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations. This is also the conduct that is expected from CAF. 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 will also continue to focus on developing our boys and girls football players, coaches and trainers, the National Teams of our 54 Member Associations and the amateur and professional leagues on the African continent.
Motsepe reiterated CAF’s commitment to working alongside FIFA, its 54 member associations, and global stakeholders to ensure sound governance while driving commercial and infrastructural development across the continent.
“Good progress is being made in discussions with our current and new sponsors, partners and investors to ensure that CAF continues to be financially self-supporting and independent,” Motsepe added.
CRUCIAL RELIEF FOR FIFA BOSS
Meanwhile, in a statement, CAF declared: “The CAF EXCO also unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African Football, over the years…”
The decision by CAF’s top brass provides crucial relief for Infantino. Controlling 54 of FIFA’s 211 voting member associations, Africa represents a massive voting bloc that has consistently backed Infantino since he first assumed office in 2016.
Leading African football figures, including CAF vice president Fouzi Lekjaa [Morocco], FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida [Egypt], Hamidou Djibrilla [Niger], Ahmed Yahya [Mauritania], and newly elected DRC football chief Veron Mosengo-Omba, had already publicly pledged their backing for Infantino earlier in the week.
The CAF EXCO also praised FIFA for its administration of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and commended the ongoing 2026 WAFCON currently taking place in Morocco.
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