All 54 member associations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have reportedly thrown their support behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s bid to secure another term in office, signalling a united position from African football’s governing body ahead of the next FIFA presidential election.
The announcement was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe during the ongoing CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde, where he declared that Infantino enjoys the continent’s unanimous and unconditional backing.
Motsepe also expressed appreciation to Infantino for his contributions to African football, praising his involvement in the development of the game across the continent.
The reported endorsement brings together all 54 national football associations affiliated with CAF behind Infantino’s bid, presenting a collective position from Africa’s football leadership on the future direction of world football.
The endorsement is significant as Infantino prepares for the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027. The support from Africa adds to his backing from other football organisations, including the Union of Arab Football Associations, which has also declared its support for his re-election bid.
Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, has repeatedly highlighted the importance of investment in football development, particularly in regions where national associations require financial and technical assistance to strengthen their domestic competitions, youth systems and national teams.
During the conference, he pledged continued and increased support for African football. He also pointed to FIFA’s investment in the continent through its FIFA Forward programme, which has supported football infrastructure and development projects across Africa.
The conference in Cape Verde is also addressing broader questions about the future of African football, including improving the competitiveness of national teams, strengthening football administration, developing coaches and players, and building financially sustainable football associations.
Africa’s collective support for Infantino comes at a time when his leadership has faced criticism in other parts of the football world, particularly over governance and a proposed initiative involving FIFA’s commercial interests. His campaign has therefore placed considerable importance on maintaining relationships with national football associations across the different confederations.
For African football, the endorsement could strengthen the continent’s collective influence in FIFA affairs. However, the key question will be how the relationship translates into practical benefits for member associations, including improved infrastructure, stronger youth development programmes, better domestic competitions and increased opportunities for African teams on the international stage.
The unanimous backing announced by Motsepe establishes Africa’s position in the build-up to the election, although the endorsement itself does not determine the final outcome of the FIFA presidential contest.
Infantino’s bid for another term will be closely watched as football stakeholders assess his record, future plans and commitments to the development of the global game.
The CAF Strategy Conference, which runs from October 7 to 9 in Santa Maria on Sal Island, is intended to go beyond leadership discussions and establish practical priorities for African football’s development towards the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
