Patrice Motsepe has rejected claims that Gianni Infantino exerts hidden influence over the Confederation of African Football (CAF), insisting that African football’s governing body operates independently.
Speaking in an interview with France 24, the CAF president dismissed suggestions that FIFA controls decision-making within the continental organisation.
“That’s nonsense, absolutely nonsense,” Motsepe said when asked about allegations concerning FIFA’s influence over CAF affairs.
He acknowledged that public debate around football governance was inevitable but stressed that criticism should be based on factual information.
“People have the right to defend their opinions, even if I disagree with them,” he added.
Motsepe also addressed his working relationship with Infantino, describing it as cooperative and professional rather than one built on dependence or outside control.
The CAF president referred to the FIFA chief as “a loyal, reliable, principled, and honest partner,” while pushing back against recurring narratives suggesting undue external influence over African football administration.
The issue of CAF’s autonomy has remained a recurring subject of debate within African football circles in recent years.
Critics have occasionally questioned whether the organisation maintains full independence in shaping policy and governance decisions, particularly given its financial and institutional relationship with FIFA.
Those discussions have intensified at different moments amid broader conversations around transparency, accountability and governance standards in international football.
Motsepe, however, insisted CAF remains fully responsible for its own administration and decision-making processes.
According to the South African businessman, the organisation’s leadership continues to act in the interests of African football while pursuing reforms aimed at strengthening the game across the continent.
Since assuming office as CAF president, Motsepe has repeatedly highlighted institutional reform, financial stability and transparency as central pillars of his administration.
He has also sought to improve CAF’s international image and reinforce confidence in the organisation following periods of turbulence and governance criticism in previous years.
His latest comments appear aimed at drawing a firm line under speculation surrounding FIFA’s role in African football affairs while publicly reinforcing CAF’s independence.
At the same time, the remarks underline Motsepe’s continued alignment with FIFA leadership during a period in which football governance globally remains under close scrutiny.
The debate over autonomy and influence within football institutions is unlikely to disappear entirely, but Motsepe’s intervention leaves little doubt about his position on the relationship between CAF and FIFA.
