The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has extended an invitation to FIFA president Gianni Infantino to attend a two-day strategic meeting in Cape Verde next month. According to a letter sent to member associations, the meeting is scheduled to take place on October 7-8. This development comes as Infantino prepares for his re-election bid, which is set to take place in March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.
Infantino's re-election bid has been met with some resistance, particularly from European and Asian football associations. However, CAF has expressed its support for the Swiss president, with several African football associations also backing his bid. The African continent's support is significant, as it accounts for 54 out of 211 member associations that will vote in the upcoming election.
Patrice Motsepe, CAF president and a close ally of Infantino, had previously proposed the idea of a strategic meeting. The meeting's agenda is expected to be sent to member associations in due course. Meanwhile, Infantino has confirmed his candidacy for re-election, but no other candidates have emerged so far.
The meeting in Cape Verde will also review the 2026 World Cup, with coaches of African national teams, led by former Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, in attendance. Wenger currently serves as the head of global football development at FIFA. The review is part of FIFA's efforts to assess trends and issues related to football, including tactics, refereeing, and logistics.
FIFA has organized similar sessions in each continent after every World Cup since 2010. The 2026 World Cup review will provide an opportunity for African coaches to share their insights and experiences. CAF has 54 member associations, which represent a significant bloc of votes in the FIFA election.
Infantino's proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial rights to private investors had faced opposition from several quarters, including UEFA and CONCACAF. However, African football associations have not expressed any objections to the proposal. The CAF meeting in Cape Verde may provide further insights into the organization's stance on this issue.
The meeting in Cape Verde will take place just a day before the 2026 World Cup review. It remains to be seen how the meeting will impact Infantino's re-election bid and the future of African football. CAF has not disclosed the exact details of the meeting's agenda but has confirmed that it will be a significant gathering of African football leaders.
Key points
- CAF invites Gianni Infantino to a strategic meeting in Cape Verde amid challenges to his re-election bid.
- Infantino enjoys support from CAF and several African football associations.
- The meeting will also review the 2026 World Cup with coaches of African national teams in attendance.
