Africa: African Football Chiefs Back Infantino to Remain As FIFA Boss

What the report says

African football leaders have thrown their support behind Gianni Infantino in his effort to remain president of FIFA, according to a report from Radio France Internationale carried by AllAfrica. The endorsement came during a three-day Confederation of African Football strategy meeting on Sal Island in Cape Verde, where CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the federation had reached a unanimous decision to back Infantino in the next election.

The report says Infantino has faced growing criticism from member associations in Europe, Asia and North America over plans to create a commercial subsidiary tied to FIFA’s major tournaments, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. It also notes that the French Football Federation and Swiss football officials have already withdrawn support, citing concerns about how FIFA is run and, in the Swiss case, questions about private investment in the World Cup.

The article adds that Infantino still has backing from Saudi Arabia, the 2034 World Cup host, and from South America’s CONMEBOL, while former challengers have stepped aside or signaled no interest. One remaining declared rival is Ramon Vega, and reports suggested Victor Montagliani, head of Concacaf, is unlikely to run. The FIFA presidency vote is scheduled for 18 March in Rabat, Morocco. The developments matter because they shape the field for one of the most influential jobs in global sport.