Patrice Motsepe has thrown his full support behind under-pressure Fifa president Gianni Infantino, hailing the recently concluded 2026 World Cup as “the most successful Fifa World Cup in the history of the competition” despite mounting international calls for Infantino to resign.
Speaking at a press conference in Sandton on Wednesday, the Confederation of African Football (Caf) president used the launch of significantly increased prize money for the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, which begins in Morocco on Sunday, to deliver a pointed endorsement of Infantino’s leadership.
The backing comes as Infantino faces fierce criticism from senior football and political figures over a tournament widely seen as both the most lucrative and one of the most contentious in World Cup history.
Global pressure on Infantino
LaLiga president Javier Tebas has joined Uefa executive committee members and 72 members of the European Parliament in urging Infantino to step down after the 2026 World Cup, which ended with Spain’s victory over Argentina in the final in New Jersey on Sunday.
The tournament was overshadowed by a series of controversies, beginning with the decision to award the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize to US President Donald Trump at the World Cup final draw in December.
Other flashpoints included:
– Extremely high ticket prices that drew fan anger in multiple host cities
– Somali referee Omar Artan being denied entry to the United States, preventing him from officiating at the tournament
– The handling of Iran’s national team, which led to widespread criticism from human rights groups
– Fifa’s suspension of US forward Folarin Balogun for a red card being overturned following intervention from Trump
These incidents fed a narrative of political interference and governance concerns at world football’s governing body, deepening scrutiny of Infantino’s presidency.
‘Gianni Infantino has been a loyal friend’
Motsepe, however, framed the World Cup and Infantino’s role in markedly different terms, explicitly aligning Africa’s football leadership with the embattled Fifa president.
“I want to thank Gianni Infantino for the excellent work he’s done and thank Fifa, thank Mattias [Grafstrom, secretary-general of Fifa], for hosting the most successful Fifa World Cup in the history of the competition. They did good work, I’m very proud,” he said.
“What Gianni has done is to contribute towards increasing the number of African teams [from five to 10] and that’s enormously important.
“Gianni Infantino has been a loyal friend and has remained loyal to Africa. He has also been loyal to me. As we look to the future, whoever succeeds me must continue to build strong partnerships. We need a FIFA President who is as loyal to Africa and as committed to the…”
Motsepe stressed the importance of alliances across the global game.
“We have to be smart in Africa, we need partners, we’ve got to work together with the other confederations it’s very important because sometimes we need their votes.
“… Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa, he’s been loyal to me. You need to have a president of Fifa who is as committed to African development and growth as Gianni Infantino is.”
Defending Fifa amid controversy
Questioned directly about the string of controversies surrounding the 2026 World Cup, Motsepe acknowledged disagreements but defended Infantino’s intentions and commitment.
“What is important is more what we discuss in private. I always look at the heart of a person. We are all human, we all have weaknesses and frailties and we all make mistakes. But what I like is the deep love for football, the deep commitment to football in the world by Gianni, the support for Africa.
“There are some of the issues we have discussed, including some you have raised, and I’m satisfied he has always shown the deepest commitment.
“There are rules in Fifa and we all have to respect those. The people in Fifa who took the decisions you refer to, there are some there with enormous integrity.
“… It’s about what the perception of ordinary people on the continent is of what we do. And it’s important that [in] Caf, and I know in Fifa as well, we are all committed to make sure that in the minds of ordinary people we are seen as people who uphold governance and ethics at the highest levels.”
Africa’s decisive voting power
Africa is the second-largest bloc in Fifa’s electoral system, with 54 votes compared with Europe’s 55. The continent has traditionally voted as a united group, making Caf’s stance pivotal in any presidential race.
Motsepe was asked whether his personal endorsement would translate into formal Caf support for Infantino at the 77th Fifa Congress, to be held in Morocco on 18 March 2027.
“We took a decision and I personally support Infantino. He’s not just a good friend, he’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa and, again, I come from a different background where, when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back,” said Motsepe.
His remarks will be seen as a strong signal that Infantino retains crucial backing in one of Fifa’s most influential regions, even as opposition to his leadership hardens in Europe and beyond.
