African Football Federations Rally Behind FIFA President Gianni Infantino
FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to hold strong support among African football nations despite recent global scrutiny. His position came under pressure after a controversial proposal to sell stakes in FIFA's global competitions to private investors was withdrawn due to opposition from several regional governing bodies. However, the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously confirmed its support for Infantino, following backing from prominent administrators across the continent.
Much of this support is rooted in FIFA's Forward programme, a development funding scheme launched in 2016. Many African federations have become highly reliant on this initiative to fund local football projects, particularly in regions where commercial sponsorships and government investments are scarce. Five of the seven African nations represented on the FIFA Council—Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania, and Comoros—have already publicly declared their backing for the FIFA president.
Key Regional Alliances and Infrastructure Funding
Morocco has emerged as a major partner for FIFA under Infantino's tenure. The country's capital, Rabat, hosts FIFA's Africa regional office, and the nation has hosted several FIFA Club World Cups and a women's U17 World Cup. Morocco is also set to co-host the men's 2030 World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. Following the withdrawal of the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, Moroccan Football Federation (FRMF) president Fouzi Lekjaa described Infantino's decision to scrap the plan as "wise," stating that it preserved the unity of FIFA's 211 member associations.
Egypt, which houses the CAF headquarters, also remains a key institutional ally. The relationship is bolstered by Hany Abo Rida, a FIFA Council member with close ties to Infantino. Egypt has utilized FIFA Forward funding for youth development, coaching education, women's football, and infrastructure. However, Egyptian officials and observers are increasingly calling for FIFA's engagement to expand beyond financial aid, emphasizing the need for transparency, good governance, and greater autonomy for CAF to set its own priorities.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the Congolese Football Federation (Fecofa) also praised the withdrawal of the FFE proposal. Fecofa president Véron Mosengo-Omba, elected in May 2026 after a period of administrative transition overseen by a FIFA-appointed Normalisation Committee, assured Infantino of the federation's support beyond 2027. Fecofa emphasized that the controversial proposal, though born of good intentions, should not overshadow Infantino's decade-long record of supporting less-resourced federations.
Financial Realities and Infrastructure Needs
The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has similarly aligned itself with Infantino. Facing chronic funding challenges, the NFF viewed the proposed financial plans as a significant opportunity. Amaju Pinnick, former NFF president and deputy chairman of FIFA's Men's National Teams Competitions Committee, argued that the plan would have provided a vital financial boost without relying on local governments. Nigeria is currently eligible for up to $8 million in FIFA Forward funding, which is being used for a $4.88 million redevelopment of the NFF Technical Centre in Abuja.
Other African nations have highlighted the critical nature of FIFA's financial support. Fleetwood Haiya, president of the Malawi Football Association, explained to the BBC that his country's government cannot afford to allocate even $1 million annually to football when basic needs like hospital medical supplies are underfunded. Similarly, Gambia Football Federation president Lamin Kaba Bajo expressed strong support, stating that he and many colleagues would work to ensure Infantino's re-election in 2027.
South Africa's Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, also defended the FIFA president on social media, warning Africa against joining what he termed a "public lynching" of a leader who has been "very good to African football." CAF President Patrice Motsepe also lauded Infantino in July, calling him "loyal to Africa" and stating that the continent should not turn its back on him.
Voices of Caution and Outstanding Positions
Despite the widespread backing, support for the commercial proposal was not entirely unanimous across the continent. Isha Johansen, the former president of the Sierra Leone Football Association and former FIFA Council member, raised concerns about the potential over-commercialisation of the sport, questioning the long-term cost of achieving such rapid development. Meanwhile, some major footballing nations on the continent, including Senegal, have yet to make any public statement regarding their stance on the matter.
