With 54 votes, Africa becomes a key ally for Infantino at FIFA
CAF's executive committee has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, after FIFA officially apologised over its handling of the controversial 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' project.
The Confederation of African Football's (CAF) executive committee has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, a day after FIFA issued an official apology over its handling of the controversial "FIFA Forward Enterprise" project, which aimed to open the World Cup to private investors.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the confederation "welcomed favourably" FIFA's apology, stressing that "respect for governance, regular procedures and transparency is essential and non-negotiable." He praised FIFA's decision to permanently withdraw the project and its commitment to conduct a full review to prevent similar procedural failures in the future.
The project had drawn widespread criticism over the lack of consultation with the FIFA Council and member associations, prompting FIFA to acknowledge the matter "should have been handled differently."
CAF's position stands in sharp contrast with UEFA, which has reaffirmed it no longer has confidence in Infantino's leadership and continues to boycott certain events linked to the World Cup, while CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation have also criticised the lack of consultation.
This unified African backing represents a significant political asset for Infantino, with Africa holding 54 of FIFA's 211 votes, as he prepares to seek a new term at the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027.
