CAF president Patrice Motsepe has praised FIFA president Gianni Infantino for his contribution to African football and what he described as the successful delivery of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, despite growing criticism directed at the world football governing body’s leadership.
Motsepe said he values Infantino’s commitment to the sport and his support for Africa, insisting that the FIFA president has demonstrated a strong dedication to developing football on the continent.
Speaking about Infantino, Motsepe said: “I always look at the heart of a person. We are all humans with weaknesses, frailties and we all make mistakes.
“But what I like is the deep love for football and the deep commitment by Gianni [FIFA President] and the support for Africa.
“He [Gianni] has shown the deepest commitment [for African football].
“I want to thank Gianni Infantino and FIFA for the outstanding work they have done in delivering what has been the most successful FIFA World Cup in the history of the tournament”
Motsepe’s comments come at a time when Infantino is facing criticism from several figures within football, with some questioning FIFA’s leadership and decision-making under his presidency.
La Liga president Javier Tebas has been among the most vocal critics, calling on Infantino to leave his position and accusing FIFA of damaging the football industry.
In an interview with Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Tebas criticised several issues linked to FIFA, including match regulations, World Cup decisions and possible future expansion plans.
When asked whether Infantino should step down, Tebas said:
“In my opinion, yes, I think his time is up.”
The Spanish league chief, however, acknowledged that Infantino continues to enjoy support from national football associations.
He also questioned FIFA’s electoral system, describing it as deeply flawed.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has also criticised Infantino’s leadership, arguing that recent events have affected the credibility of the organisation.
Blatter, who led FIFA from 1998 to 2015 before leaving office amid a corruption scandal, called for changes at the top of world football and said politics should not overshadow the sport.
His comments followed controversy surrounding the suspension of United States striker Folarin Balogun’s ban during the 2026 World Cup.
The forward had initially received a suspension after being sent off against Bosnia and Herzegovina, but FIFA later suspended the punishment, allowing him to feature in the knockout stage match against Belgium.
The decision attracted criticism, with some questioning the circumstances surrounding the change.
Despite the criticism, Infantino remains firmly positioned as the favourite to continue leading FIFA.
The 56-year-old has already announced his intention to seek a fourth term in office, with the election for the 2027-2031 cycle scheduled to take place in Morocco on 18 March next year.
