CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the unanimous backing on Thursday, 8 October, during the confederation’s strategy conference in Cape Verde, where Infantino met African football leaders and promised further investment in the continent’s game.
The declaration strengthens Infantino’s position in the race for another term, with Africa’s 54 associations representing more than a quarter of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Motsepe confirms unanimous African backing
Motsepe said the decision reflected the support Infantino had provided to African football during his time as FIFA president.
“There is a unanimous decision by the 54 CAF member associations to unconditionally support Gianni as president of FIFA,” Motsepe told delegates.
He added that the decision was based on Infantino’s record of supporting the development of football across the continent.
The declaration reinforces CAF’s backing for the FIFA president as he prepares for the election, despite growing criticism of his leadership in other parts of the football world.
Infantino highlights $1 billion investment in Africa
Addressing the conference, Infantino highlighted FIFA’s financial contribution to African football since he took office in 2016.
He said FIFA had invested $1 billion in Africa over 10 years through its FIFA Forward programme, supporting 124 projects alongside other development initiatives.
Infantino pledged to continue seeking additional resources to improve football infrastructure, strengthen national associations and create more opportunities for players, coaches and administrators.
He also pointed to Africa’s representation at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which featured 10 African nations, describing it as an achievement for the continent.
The FIFA president said the governing body would continue working with CAF and its member associations to help African football compete at the highest level.
FIFA president faces pressure over governance controversy
The endorsement comes after Infantino faced criticism over a proposal to involve private investors in a commercial entity connected to FIFA competition rights.
The plan was withdrawn following opposition, particularly from football associations in Europe and North America, which raised concerns about the process and their involvement in decision-making.
FIFA subsequently acknowledged that mistakes had been made in handling the proposal and committed to reviewing the process.
Infantino addressed the need for dialogue at the Cape Verde conference, saying concerns should be discussed openly and that FIFA must continue looking for ways to improve.
The controversy has added pressure to his leadership as the next presidential election approaches.
Ramon Vega emerges as potential challenger
Former Switzerland international Ramon Vega announced his intention to challenge Infantino in the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
Meanwhile, UEFA president Aleksander Čeferin confirmed he would seek another term leading European football’s governing body, reducing the likelihood of him entering the FIFA presidential race.
UEFA’s national associations have also called for reforms at FIFA, with the disagreement highlighting divisions within international football governance.
Against that backdrop, the united African endorsement gives Infantino a significant bloc of support as the election approaches.
African support strengthens Infantino’s position
CAF’s declaration does not determine the final election result, but the backing of all 54 African associations represents an important development in the contest.
Infantino became FIFA president in 2016 and is seeking another term for the 2027–2031 period.
His campaign will continue against a backdrop of debate over FIFA’s governance, commercial decisions and distribution of resources among its member associations.
For African football, the conference also provided an opportunity to press for continued investment in development programmes, facilities and national teams.
The extent to which FIFA translates its financial commitments into further improvements across the continent will remain an important issue as the election draws closer.