Africa Backs Infantino as CAF Unanimously Votes in FIFA President’s Favour

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has thrown its weight behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino, with its Executive Committee unanimously confirming its support for him as he seeks re-election in March next year, according to CAF statements reported by Al Jazeera. The move sets African football's governing body at odds with counterparts in Europe, North America, and Asia.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported that five influential African football leaders have issued statements backing Infantino, despite also welcoming the decision to drop his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue. The outlet noted that CAF makes up 54 of FIFA's 211 member associations, making it a powerful voting bloc that has largely supported Infantino since he took office in 2016. The coverage described Infantino as "beleaguered" and "embattled," and characterised the abandoned plan as having caused "the fiercest revolt of Infantino's tenure."

In a separate article, Al Jazeera framed CAF's support as coming "despite global condemnation" and quoted CAF President Patrice Motsepe calling for good governance. The outlet also reported that UEFA said on the same day it was committed to boycotting future World Cups at all levels while Infantino remains in office.

Key Claims

  • Five influential African football leaders back Gianni Infantino amid the World Cup private investment row, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • Infantino abandoned his plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue, according to Al Jazeera.
  • African countries helped Infantino to his election success in 2016, as reported by Al Jazeera.
  • FIFA baseline funding guarantees each of its 211 member associations $8 million over a four-year cycle, according to Al Jazeera.
  • CAF President Patrice Motsepe called for good governance and transparency in global football, as quoted by Al Jazeera.
  • UEFA is committed to boycotting future World Cups at all levels while Infantino remains in office, according to Al Jazeera.
  • CAF's Executive Committee unanimously confirmed its support for Infantino, as reported by Al Jazeera.

Perspectives

CAF and African football leaders

CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's pledge to review the processes that led to the controversy over the abandoned World Cup revenue proposal. "CAF welcomes and endorses the 'Joint Update' by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom," Motsepe said, but stressed the need for good governance and transparency. "We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its member associations, other football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency globally," he added. CAF said in a statement: "The CAF EXCO unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African football over the years." Five leading African football administrators have sent messages of support to Infantino, according to Al Jazeera, including CAF Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa and other influential committee members.

UEFA

On the same day CAF confirmed its support, UEFA said it is committed to boycotting future World Cups at all levels while Infantino remains in office, according to Al Jazeera. This position contrasts sharply with the African bloc's endorsement.