RABAT —Top African football leaders have thrown FIFA President Gianni Infantino a vital political lifeline, publicly endorsing his leadership after he abandoned a divisive $4.2 billion commercial plan.
According to Reuters, while major football confederations across Europe (UEFA), Asia (AFC), and North/Central America (CONCACAF) declared a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership over the weekend, Africa’s football establishment has stepped in to anchor his presidency ahead of the March 2027 FIFA Presidential Election in Rabat, Morocco.
Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) President and CAF Vice-President Fouzi Lekjaa issued a statement welcoming Infantino’s decision to withdraw the “FIFA Forward Enterprise.”
“The progress achieved in recent years through FIFA’s development programs, particularly in Africa, represents a valuable achievement that must be preserved for the benefit of all member associations,” the statement reads. “In this context, despite the importance of the proposed reform, the unity of the global football family must take precedence over any differences it may have generated.”
Lekjaa further emphasized that Infantino’s decision was “a wise one, as it prioritizes unity and cohesion among FIFA’s member associations through a participatory approach to advancing the development of football.” And he concluded by officially reiterating the FRMF’s continued support for Infantino and his global development initiatives.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe and senior members of the CAF Executive Committee have meanwhile maintained a calculated, unified stance to protect African interests while keeping Infantino’s campaign viable.
“He’s loyal to Africa,” Motsepe stated while highlighting the historic mutual support between FIFA’s current administration and African football. “He’s loyal to Africa. I come from a background where when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back.”
