The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and all its member associations have reaffirmed their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the 2027 presidential election. CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe announced this position during the CAF Strategy Conference on Sal Island in Cabo Verde. He confirmed that Africa's football associations will back Infantino in the contest for another term. This declaration reinforces the backing Infantino has received from African football's governing body.
The announcement was made at a gathering attended by Motsepe and representatives of African football associations, presenting a united position from the continent ahead of the vote. Africa's support is significant because its 54 member associations account for 54 of the 211 voting associations within FIFA. Their collective backing provides Infantino with a substantial base as he seeks another term in office. This move underlines the close relationship between CAF and FIFA during Infantino's leadership.
During the conference, Infantino highlighted FIFA's investment in football development across Africa. He mentioned that the FIFA Forward programme had channelled $1 billion into 124 development projects on the continent over the past 10 years. Infantino indicated that further resources would be made available to support African football. The programme is designed to support football development through funding for projects and infrastructure.
The endorsement comes ahead of the elective 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027. Motsepe's statement provides a clear indication of CAF's position before that meeting, with all its member associations expected to support Infantino's bid. This backing is crucial as the African football body’s declaration comes amid reports of opposition to Infantino from some European and North American football associations.
The reported opposition to Infantino follows the collapse of a proposal known as FIFA Forward Enterprise. The proposal, which was subsequently abandoned, involved plans to sell commercial stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors. The reported withdrawal of support from some federations has added to the political backdrop surrounding the upcoming election.
However, CAF has publicly maintained its backing for Infantino, with Motsepe confirming the position on behalf of the continent's 54 member associations. The FIFA president’s next term will be decided at the 2027 congress in Morocco, where member associations will participate in the presidential election. For now, CAF’s declaration establishes a united African position behind Infantino as the election approaches.
The broader contest will depend on the decisions of FIFA's voting members worldwide. With CAF's support, Infantino is expected to have a strong foundation for his re-election bid. The final decision will be made in March 2027, when FIFA member associations gather for the elective congress.
Key points
- CAF and its 54 member associations have reaffirmed their support for Gianni Infantino's third term as FIFA president.
- FIFA has invested $1 billion in African football development projects over the past decade through its Forward programme.
- The 77th FIFA Congress, where the presidential election will take place, is scheduled for 18 March 2027 in Rabat, Morocco.
