Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe says Africa continues to support FIFA president Gianni Infantino and insists that next year’s election is the only legitimate way to decide his future.
Motsepe’s comments come as Infantino faces opposition from several continental football organisations ahead of the FIFA presidential election, which is due to take place in Morocco in 2027.
The FIFA president’s position has come under increased scrutiny following his proposal to sell shares in the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private-sector investors. The proposal was subsequently withdrawn.
Some continental federations, including those from Europe, Asia and the CONCACAF region, have been reported to be opposed to Infantino.
But Motsepe has made clear that the African confederation remains behind the FIFA president.
Speaking to Sky News, the CAF president said Infantino had demonstrated support for African football and retained the backing of the continent.
He said: “Infantino has been loyal to African football. He has the support of Africa. But I sit with my leadership (at CAF) and we look at the whole world. Every part of this world is working to protect its own interests.”
Motsepe’s comments highlight the differing priorities among FIFA’s continental confederations, while also making clear that CAF does not intend to support efforts to remove Infantino outside the established electoral process.
The South African official also warned those opposed to Infantino against allowing personal interests to influence their approach to FIFA’s leadership.
He said: “Do not confuse pursuing your personal interests with respecting the law, due process and governance. Due process, governance and respect for the law are non-negotiable.”
For Motsepe, the question of who should lead FIFA must ultimately be decided by the organisation’s member associations rather than through attempts to force a leadership change outside an election.
The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for 2027 in Morocco, and Motsepe said the process should be allowed to take place.
He said: “As you know, the elections will be held next year. Shouldn’t we allow the electoral process to continue and let the 211 member associations make the decision?”
Motsepe went further, challenging anyone who wants to replace Infantino to enter the electoral process rather than seeking to remove him through other means.
He continued: “Well, as I said, let the people decide. If there are candidates who want to challenge him, let them put their names forward. That’s the right thing to do.”
The CAF president then made his position particularly clear when explaining how Infantino could be removed from office.
He added: “If you want to remove him, go to the elections. It’s that simple. Let the 211 member associations decide. The vote will reveal whether these associations trust him or not.”
Infantino has served as FIFA president since 2016 and is seeking another term in office at next year’s election.
His future has nevertheless become a major subject of discussion amid the reported opposition from some continental federations.
The disagreements have emerged against the background of wider debates over FIFA’s commercial strategy and the direction of world football.
Infantino’s proposal concerning private investment in the rights to FIFA competitions was one such issue. The plan, which included the possibility of selling shares linked to tournament rights, attracted opposition before being withdrawn.
Despite the controversy, Motsepe has praised Infantino’s contribution to football development and reiterated Africa’s support for him.
The CAF president’s intervention provides an important indication of the position of African football’s governing body ahead of the 2027 vote.
Rather than endorsing efforts to challenge Infantino outside the election process, Motsepe has argued that FIFA’s 211 member associations should be given the opportunity to determine the outcome through their votes.
That approach means any candidate seeking to replace Infantino will have to present an alternative to the FIFA membership and secure sufficient support through the formal electoral process.
Motsepe’s comments also underline the importance of the African vote in the upcoming contest.
CAF represents football across the continent, and its position could prove significant as candidates seek support ahead of the election.
For now, Motsepe says Africa remains firmly behind Infantino.
But he has stopped short of suggesting that Infantino’s position should be guaranteed. Instead, he has repeatedly pointed to the election as the mechanism through which FIFA members can decide whether the incumbent deserves another term.
The FIFA presidency will therefore remain subject to the 2027 electoral process, with Infantino seeking to extend his tenure and opponents given the opportunity to put forward alternative candidates.
For Motsepe, however, the principle is straightforward: any attempt to change FIFA’s leadership should take place through the ballot box, with the 211 member associations deciding Infantino’s fate.
