Infantino finds a friend in Africa as CAF backs FIFA president

The Confederation of African Football's (CAF) Executive Committee has unanimously confirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, a move that sets it apart from football governing bodies in Europe, North America, and Asia.

On Thursday, CAF's top decision-making body sided with Infantino as he prepares for re-election in March. This endorsement comes at a time when UEFA has stated its commitment to boycotting future World Cups at all levels while Infantino remains in office. CAF represents 54 of FIFA's 211 member associations, making it a powerful voting bloc that has largely supported Infantino since he took office in 2016.

“

The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years.

"The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years," CAF stated in a release. CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's pledge to review processes that led to controversy over an abandoned proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup's future.

“

We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide.

Motsepe emphasized the need for good governance and transparency in global football, stating, "We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide." CAF's backing offers a measure of relief to Infantino, who has faced widespread criticism for his plan to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and sell commercial rights.

Several influential African football leaders, including CAF Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa and FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida, Hamidou Djibrilla, and Ahmed Yahya, have publicly pledged their support for Infantino. Veron Mosengo-Omba, president of the football federation in the Democratic Republic of Congo, also voiced his support. Motsepe previously expressed strong personal support for Infantino, calling him a "loyal friend" who is loyal to Africa.

“

He's not just a good friend. He's a loyal friend. He's loyal to Africa. I come from a background where when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back.