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The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has thrown its support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, deepening divisions within global football leadership following controversy over the abandoned plan to sell private stakes in future World Cup commercial rights.
CAF’s Executive Committee reportedly unanimously confirmed its backing for Infantino as he prepares to seek re-election as FIFA president in March next year, despite opposition from football authorities in Europe, North America and Asia.
In a statement as reported by Aljazeera, CAF said its executive body had “unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino” and thanked him for his contribution to the development of African football.
The decision came on the same day that the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) reaffirmed its opposition to Infantino’s leadership approach and indicated its willingness to boycott future World Cups at all levels while he remains in office.
Read more: UEFA blasts FIFA’s US$20 billion World Cup investment plan
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, welcomed FIFA’s decision to review the process that led to the controversial proposal to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise and introduce private investment into World Cup commercial operations.
Motsepe said CAF supported FIFA’s commitment to improving transparency and governance but stressed that global football institutions must continue to uphold proper procedures.
“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 practices and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide,” he said.
Infantino faced widespread criticism after FIFA announced plans to create a separate entity backed by private equity investment that would control commercial and operational rights linked to future World Cup tournaments.
The proposal was later withdrawn following resistance from several football bodies, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
CAF’s backing provides political support for Infantino, who has defended his leadership record and argued that additional commercial revenues would have been reinvested into football development.
Several influential African football officials had earlier expressed support for the FIFA president, including 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.
Motsepe has previously praised Infantino’s support for African football, describing him as a strong ally of the continent.
FIFA has also publicly backed Infantino, who remains focused on rebuilding unity among football stakeholders following one of the biggest challenges of his presidency.
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