Dr Patrice Motsepe has confirmed he will not seek to remain as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) beyond the next World Cup, drawing a line under weeks of speculation about his future.
Speaking at a press conference in Johannesburg, the South African businessman and football chief said his time at the helm of African football’s governing body would end before the 2030 tournament kicks off.
With striking clarity, he told reporters: «D’ici a la prochaine Coupe du Monde, je ne serai plus a la CAF. J’y assisterai en tant que spectateur.»
His declaration signals the start of a succession race at the top of African football, just three years after he took office promising reform, modernisation and greater global recognition for the continent’s game.
End of an era at CAF
Motsepe, who was elected CAF president in 2021, has been a central figure in efforts to reshape the organisation’s image and operations following years of governance concerns and leadership turmoil.
Under his tenure, CAF has sought to:
– Modernise its internal structures
– Strengthen commercial and broadcast partnerships
– Raise the profile of African competitions globally
His decision to step aside before the next World Cup marks a pivotal moment for the organisation, which oversees football in 54 African member associations.
The 2030 World Cup is due to be jointly hosted by Morocco, Spain and Portugal, with three opening matches in South America. Motsepe’s announcement means CAF will be under new leadership by the time Africa’s representatives take part in that tournament.
Clear message to end speculation
Motsepe said he wanted to remove any uncertainty around his intentions and allow CAF to prepare properly for a change at the top.
By publicly clarifying his position, the CAF president aims to halt persistent rumours over whether he would pursue another term and to ensure what he described as an orderly transition.
His comments in Johannesburg are being interpreted within African football as a deliberate effort to give potential successors time to organise campaigns and to allow CAF’s executive structures to plan ahead.
Officials and member associations will now be tasked with managing a leadership transition while maintaining continuity in the reforms launched over the past three years.
Attention turns to 2029 elections
CAF’s next presidential election is scheduled for 2029, when member associations will choose the figure who will lead African football into the next decade.
“Rendez-vous en 2029 pour une nouvelle election pour connaitre le nouveau boss du football africain,” officials said, underlining the significance of that vote for the continent’s football landscape.
The upcoming electoral process is expected to draw intense interest, both within Africa and from global football stakeholders, given CAF’s growing influence in FIFA decision-making and the increasing commercial value of African competitions.
Until then, Motsepe is expected to continue in office while CAF presses ahead with its current projects, including efforts to enhance club competitions, improve infrastructure and boost youth development.
But his commitment to watching the next World Cup “as a spectator” underscores that a new chapter in African football governance is already on the horizon.
