Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has announced that all 54 African national football associations will support Gianni Infantino in his bid for another term as FIFA president. This announcement was made during the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, Cape Verde, which brought together presidents of CAF’s member associations, national-team coaches, and other football officials. Motsepe confirmed that Africa’s national associations will give Infantino “unconditional support” in the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
The collective backing gives Infantino the support of more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 voting member associations ahead of the presidential election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Morocco. This significant voting base is crucial for Infantino as he seeks another term as FIFA president. Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and was re-elected unopposed in both 2019 and 2023. His leadership has been subject to criticism from UEFA and several European associations.
Infantino attended the conference and used the occasion to discuss FIFA’s financial support for football development across the continent. According to reports, FIFA has invested around $1 billion in Africa over the past decade through its Forward development program. Infantino told African football leaders that FIFA intends to continue directing resources toward the continent and working with national associations on infrastructure and development projects.
CAF’s unified support comes during a more difficult period for Infantino elsewhere in world football. UEFA and several European associations have criticized his leadership following the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal. The Norwegian Football Association has also recently submitted governance and ethics complaints concerning several FIFA decisions. Despite this, African football associations have pledged their support for Infantino.
Morocco had already been among six Arab federations to publicly back Infantino in August, while the Union of Arab Football Associations later issued its own declaration of support. This regional backing adds to Infantino’s growing support as he seeks re-election. Infantino’s campaign for re-election has received significant support from African and Arab football associations.
Former Switzerland and Tottenham defender Ramon Vega declared his intention to challenge Infantino for the FIFA presidency, one day after CAF’s announcement. Vega, 55, has called for governance reform and said FIFA needs to rebuild trust and credibility. He must secure the formal backing of at least five FIFA member associations to appear on the ballot. The election is set to take place in Rabat next March.
The strong African commitment now gives Infantino a significant advantage as he seeks another term as FIFA president. With the election scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Morocco, Infantino’s campaign is gaining momentum. The CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde has demonstrated the unity of African football associations in their support for Infantino’s re-election bid.
Key points
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe announces all 54 African national football associations will support Gianni Infantino in his bid for another term as FIFA president.
- FIFA has invested around $1 billion in Africa over the past decade through its Forward development program.
- Infantino’s re-election campaign has received significant support from African and Arab football associations.
