Rabat – Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has called for FIFA’s 211 member associations to decide Gianni Infantino’s future at next year’s presidential election, stressing the importance of due process, governance, and unity within world football.
Infantino is seeking re-election, with the vote scheduled to take place during FIFA’s 77th Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18, 2027.
“Elections are taking place next year. We should allow that process to continue and let the 211 members decide. If there are candidates who want to stand against him, put up their names. That’s the right thing,” Motsepe told Sky News.
The CAF president said his priority is to see football authorities focus on cooperation and the continued development of the sport despite the challenges facing FIFA.
“What I like to focus on is the unity, the cooperation. How do we continue to develop and grow football in the midst of the challenges we have? We must deal with those challenges, resolve them and move on,” he said.
Motsepe also acknowledged that football leaders should be held accountable when their conduct raises questions about governance or due process.
“If I, as a president, behave in a manner that does not reflect due process or governance, I should be subject to interrogation and have those questions asked of me,” he said.
His comments come after Infantino faced criticism from several FIFA confederations following his attempt to bring private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal was ultimately abandoned after facing opposition.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF have criticized Infantino’s conduct and called for him to step down, according to Reuters.
Motsepe, however, said that any concerns regarding the FIFA president should be addressed through the organization’s established procedures and ultimately settled through an election.
“If anyone has got a problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni or anybody else, follow the FIFA process. And if you want to take him out, go for elections. Simple as that,” Motsepe said.
He further emphasized that FIFA’s member associations should have the final say over the organization’s leadership.
“Let the 211 member associations decide. The vote will express whether they have confidence in him or not. Everybody is entitled to fair judgement and fair treatment. Everybody should be heard. Due process, governance, and legality are non-negotiable,” he said.
Motsepe also confirmed that Infantino continues to enjoy the backing of CAF and highlighted his relationship with African football.
“He’s been loyal to African football. He enjoys the support of Africa,” Motsepe said.
The 2027 FIFA presidential election will take place in Rabat, placing Morocco at the center of global football governance. The vote will determine whether Infantino secures another term or faces a challenger backed by FIFA member associations.
