African football leaders have moved to shore up Gianni Infantino’s position as the FIFA president seeks crucial backing from the continent before next year’s presidential election.
Several influential figures within the Confederation of African Football have publicly voiced their support after Infantino abandoned his controversial proposal to sell a stake in future FIFA World Cup commercial revenues.
The backing comes at a difficult time for the Swiss administrator. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF all questioned his leadership following the failed proposal, leaving Africa’s 54 FIFA member associations in a potentially decisive position ahead of the vote in Morocco next March.
CAF’s executive committee is due to meet on Thursday, with the withdrawn commercial rights plan still listed on the agenda. Although the governing body has yet to announce an official position on Infantino’s future, several senior officials have already declared their support.
CAF vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa, along with FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida, Hamidou Djibrilla and Ahmed Yhaya, welcomed Infantino’s decision to abandon the project while reaffirming their confidence in his leadership. Democratic Republic of Congo football federation president Veron Mosengo-Omba also issued a similar message.
Infantino has long enjoyed strong support across Africa after expanding FIFA’s development funding programme. Since taking office in 2016, he has significantly increased financial assistance for member associations through FIFA Forward, helping many smaller nations improve facilities and football development.
For several African federations, that funding remains essential. Comoros Football Federation president Saïd Ali Athouman said many countries lack commercial sponsors and depend on FIFA support to compete internationally. Football Association of Malawi president Fleetwood Haiya echoed those concerns, pointing to the country’s need for better stadiums and infrastructure.
Every FIFA member association currently receives guaranteed baseline funding of $8 million during each four-year cycle, with CAF also providing annual grants to its members.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe had already praised Infantino before the controversy erupted, describing him as both a loyal friend and a committed supporter of African football.
With nominations closing in November, Infantino now appears likely to rely heavily on Africa’s voting strength as he attempts to secure another term at the head of world football.
