Africa’s 54 Football Associations Deliver Powerful Endorsement for Infantino’s FIFA Comeback Bid

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed its support for Gianni Infantino’s bid to remain FIFA president, with all 54 African football associations pledging to back him in the 2027 election. The endorsement strengthens Infantino’s position ahead of the vote, even as questions about FIFA’s leadership, transparency and decision-making continue to emerge.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe reiterated the continent’s support during a strategy conference in Cape Verde on October 8, 2026. He attributed the backing to Infantino’s contributions to African football since becoming FIFA president in 2016. The support was first formally announced at a CAF meeting in Vancouver, Canada, on April 29, when member associations unanimously agreed to support his re-election for the 2027–2031 term.

Infantino has highlighted FIFA’s investment in the continent through its FIFA Forward development programme, saying approximately $1 billion had been invested in Africa over 10 years across 124 projects. The funding has supported football development initiatives, including infrastructure and other projects, while FIFA has continued to promote greater opportunities for African teams on the international stage.

However, the endorsement comes at a challenging time for the FIFA president. His leadership has faced criticism following a controversial proposal to establish a commercial entity involving private investors and rights linked to FIFA competitions. The plan was withdrawn after resistance from football stakeholders, prompting renewed calls for greater transparency and an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes.

Infantino confirmed in May that he would seek re-election in 2027. The election is scheduled for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco. Former Swiss international Ramon Vega has also announced his intention to challenge him, while UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin has said he will seek another term at UEFA rather than enter the FIFA presidential race.

With Africa’s 54 associations representing a significant voting bloc among FIFA’s 211 member associations, their unified endorsement could prove important in the election.