CAF Backs FIFA, Endorses Infantino Amid Governance Apology
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, positioning Africa’s football body at odds with counterparts in Europe, North America, and Asia amid an escalating governance crisis over the collapsed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
The decision was reached at a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee on Thursday, which endorsed a joint statement issued by Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström acknowledging mistakes in how the controversial scheme was handled. FIFA had unveiled the FFE on July 28, 2026, as a new commercial subsidiary intended to manage its event and commercial operations, including the World Cup, with plans to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to outside investors. The proposal was withdrawn following widespread criticism that FIFA’s Council and member associations had not been adequately consulted during its development.
In the joint update, FIFA acknowledged that mistakes were made in the process and stated the proposal was now off the table, adding that a formal review would be conducted with findings presented at the next FIFA Council meeting. FIFA also offered a direct apology for the errors and pledged they would not be repeated.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the update, stating that CAF endorses the joint statement issued by Infantino and Grafström while stressing that the organisation remains committed to global standards of governance, transparency, and auditing. He added that adherence to due process is non-negotiable for Africa, describing it as the standard the continent expects from governments, businesses, and institutions alike. Motsepe also thanked Infantino for his support of African football over the years and expressed appreciation to the FIFA administration for its organisation of the 2026 World Cup.
CAF’s endorsement stands in sharp contrast to the position taken by other major confederations. UEFA has maintained that FIFA’s apology and declaration of support have not resolved its underlying concerns, reiterating its threat to boycott future World Cup competitions at all levels for as long as Infantino remains in office. CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have similarly criticised the lack of consultation surrounding the proposal, while South America’s CONMEBOL voiced concern over what it described as a pattern of unilateral decision-making. Global players’ union FIFPRO went further still, characterising the process as an abuse of presidential authority and calling for broader governance reforms.
Argentina’s football association has also thrown its support behind Infantino, welcoming FIFA’s decision to withdraw the plan and describing the acknowledgement of errors as important for rebuilding trust between FIFA and its stakeholders.
With CAF representing 54 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, its backing represents a significant boost for Infantino as he seeks re-election at FIFA’s congress in March next year, even as the divide between Africa and several other confederations over his leadership continues to widen.
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