The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and all 54 African football associations have publicly declared their support for Gianni Infantino to serve another term as FIFA president. This endorsement was made during the CAF Strategy Conference held in Santa Maria on Cape Verde's Sal Island. CAF president Patrice Motsepe, alongside the presidents of Africa's national football associations, expressed their "unanimous and unconditional" backing for Infantino's re-election in 2027.
Gianni Infantino has been instrumental in the development of football in Africa, working closely with CAF on various initiatives to strengthen the continent's football infrastructure, competitions, and development programs. Under his leadership, African countries have seen improvements in their ability to host international matches at home. The number of nations capable of staging games in their own countries has increased in recent years, a development Infantino has actively supported.
The CAF Strategy Conference brought together the leadership of African football to discuss the continent's development and its growing influence in the global game. During the conference, Motsepe publicly thanked Infantino for his contributions to African football, praising the work carried out under his leadership. Infantino has frequently highlighted Africa's growing influence in world football and has been a strong advocate for the continent's interests within FIFA.
The collective endorsement from all 54 African associations provides Infantino with a powerful bloc of support ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election. Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, has overseen significant changes to the global football calendar and competitions, including the expansion of the FIFA World Cup. This expansion has led to Africa securing nine guaranteed places at the 2026 World Cup, with an additional qualification route available to one more African team.
Cape Verde, one of the African nations that have made history by qualifying for their first-ever World Cup, was among the countries congratulated by Infantino during his address at the CAF Strategy Conference. This achievement underscores the progress made in African football under Infantino's tenure. The conference is expected to continue discussions on the future development of African football, focusing on areas such as infrastructure, competitions, and youth development.
The show of support for Infantino represents a significant endorsement as he prepares to seek re-election at the end of his current term. His efforts to improve football infrastructure and competitions in Africa have been widely acknowledged. The discussions at the CAF Strategy Conference will likely shape the future of African football and its continued growth within the global football community.
As Infantino seeks re-election, his backing from the CAF and all 54 African football associations positions him strongly for the 2027 FIFA presidential election. The future development of African football and its increasing influence within FIFA will likely be key topics in the lead-up to the election. Infantino's contributions to African football have been substantial, and his re-election would likely continue the trajectory of growth and development for the continent's football.
Key points
- CAF and 54 African FAs endorse Gianni Infantino for FIFA re-election.
- Infantino has driven development in African football through infrastructure and competition improvements.
- African football's influence in FIFA continues to grow under Infantino's leadership.
