CAF unanimously supports Infantino despite growing international criticism
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he seeks re-election for a fourth and final term.
CAF announced its position following a meeting of its executive committee on Thursday, providing Infantino with significant political support as he faces growing criticism from football organisations around the world.
With 54 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, CAF represents one of the most powerful voting blocs in global football. The organisation has largely supported Infantino since he became FIFA president a decade ago.
Pressure over World Cup proposal
Infantino has faced intense pressure over FIFA’s handling of a now-shelved proposal that would have opened the World Cup to private investment.
The controversy has led to calls for his resignation from football organisations in several parts of the world.
CAF said it appreciated Infantino’s support for African football over the years. However, its president, Patrice Motsepe, also stressed the importance of good governance and transparency within football’s governing structures.
The backing from Africa could provide important support for Infantino as he prepares for the election scheduled for March.
UEFA maintains criticism
CAF’s position contrasts sharply with the growing opposition to Infantino from European football’s governing body, UEFA.
UEFA has reiterated its criticism of the FIFA president and repeated a threat to boycott FIFA tournaments.
The organisation said its concerns remained unchanged after previously stating that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
UEFA also said its key conditions for returning to FIFA tournaments had not been met.
Global support weakens
CAF’s decision comes as Infantino faces increasing criticism from other football confederations.
The South American football governing body, CONMEBOL, which has traditionally been supportive of Infantino, also criticised his leadership.
CONMEBOL expressed concern over what it described as repeated unilateral actions taken without sufficient dialogue or the use of established institutional mechanisms.
The statement represents a significant shift in tone from one of Infantino’s previous supporters.
Potential challengers emerge
The governing bodies for football in North and Central America and Asia have also criticised Infantino, although neither had issued a response to the latest developments at the time of the CAF announcement.
CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani is regarded as a potential challenger to Infantino in the FIFA election.
CONCACAF has previously called for what it described as “a comprehensive reckoning” with Infantino’s presidency.
Election battle intensifies
Infantino is seeking a fourth and final term as FIFA president, but the growing divisions among the world’s football confederations could make the election increasingly contentious.
CAF’s unanimous backing gives Infantino a major advantage because of Africa’s large voting bloc within FIFA.
However, opposition from UEFA, CONMEBOL and other football organisations indicates that Infantino’s leadership remains under significant scrutiny.
The contrasting positions have set the stage for a potentially divisive FIFA election, with governance, transparency and the future direction of world football likely to remain central issues in the campaign.
