CAPE VERDE — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) sent a formal invitation to FIFA President Gianni Infantino to attend a two‑day Strategy Conference on October 7‑8 in Cape Verde. The invitation, addressed to the 54 African member associations, underscores the continent’s backing of Infantino as he gears up for the FIFA presidential election slated for March 2027 in Rabat.
African solidarity amid global scrutiny
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, a South African mining billionaire and close ally of Infantino, has championed the idea of the summit for months. In a letter circulated to all African associations, Motsepe highlighted the importance of a unified African voice in shaping FIFA’s future direction.
The executive committee of CAF publicly affirmed its support for Infantino last month, and several individual African football federations have also declared their endorsement. This backing comes at a time when Infantino faces the most significant challenge to his presidency since his proposal to sell up to a 20% stake in FIFA competitions – including the World Cup – to private investors collapsed.
Controversial stake‑sale proposal fuels debate
The stake‑sale plan sparked fierce opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, prompting calls for leadership change at FIFA. Africa, however, has not objected to the proposal and continues to stand by Infantino, distinguishing the continent’s stance from the criticism echoed elsewhere in the football world.
While past FIFA votes have often seen a split in the African bloc, the current endorsement from CAF marks a notable departure from that pattern. Africa’s 54 votes represent a substantial portion of the 211 member associations that will cast ballots if Infantino faces a challenger in the March election.
Infantino’s re‑election plans
The 56‑year‑old Swiss official has confirmed his intention to run for another term, though no credible challenger has emerged so far. UEFA has indicated it is searching for a viable opponent, but the search has yet to produce a name.
In addition to the strategy conference, CAF announced that on October 9 a review of the 2026 World Cup will be held. Every African national team coach has been invited to participate, with former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger – now FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development – leading the review.
What the summit will address
According to CAF, the conference agenda will be shared with member associations in due course. Expected topics include tactical trends, refereeing standards, logistical considerations, and broader strategic issues that affect football across the continent.
Since the 2010 World Cup in South Africa, FIFA has hosted similar post‑tournament reviews on each continent, aiming to improve the sport’s governance and competitive integrity worldwide.
Implications for the upcoming election
With Africa’s backing, Infantino enters the election cycle with a solid regional foundation. The support may prove decisive if a challenger emerges, given the weight of the African vote in FIFA’s electoral calculus.
Observers note that the African endorsement could also influence other confederations’ positions, potentially shaping the broader narrative around FIFA’s leadership and its future commercial strategies.
CAF will distribute further details about the conference and the World Cup review as they become available, ensuring that African football stakeholders remain fully informed and engaged in the global governance of the sport.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
