CAF and Africa's 54 federations back Infantino for another FIFA term

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe and the heads of all 54 African football associations have given their “unanimous and unconditional” support to Gianni Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president from 2027.

The declaration was made during the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, on Cape Verde's Sal Island, where Motsepe appeared alongside the presidents of Africa's national football associations.

The continent's football leaders used the gathering to publicly demonstrate their backing for Infantino ahead of his expected bid to remain at the helm of world football beyond 2027.

Motsepe also personally thanked the FIFA president for what he described as his contribution to the development of African football.

“Thank you, Gianni Infantino, for all you do for African football,” Motsepe said.

The strong endorsement from all 54 CAF member associations represents a significant show of support for Infantino as he prepares for the next FIFA presidential election.

Infantino has been FIFA president since 2016, when he succeeded Sepp Blatter, and was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and again in 2023.

Under his leadership, FIFA has expanded the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams, with Africa's allocation increasing from five places to nine automatic qualification places for the 2026 tournament.

African football has also enjoyed increased representation and investment under Infantino's administration, with FIFA highlighting infrastructure development, competitions and financial support to member associations as key areas of cooperation.

The CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde has brought together the continent's football leadership to discuss the future development and growth of the game in Africa.

The public endorsement of Infantino adds a major political dimension to the conference, with Africa's football authorities making clear that they intend to remain firmly behind his leadership ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.

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