Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and other African football leaders have expressed strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA abandoned a controversial plan to sell a minority stake in a new commercial rights company linked to major tournaments. The proposed deal, valued at around $4.2 billion , involved outside investors acquiring a 20% stake in a new FIFA commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which was expected to manage commercial rights for the World Cup and other major events. The plan faced criticism from several foo

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe and other African football leaders have expressed strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA abandoned a controversial plan to sell a minority stake in a new commercial rights company linked to major tournaments.

The proposed deal, valued at around $4.2 billion, involved outside investors acquiring a 20% stake in a new FIFA commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which was expected to manage commercial rights for the World Cup and other major events.

The plan faced criticism from several football stakeholders, particularly in Europe, with opponents arguing that the World Cup’s future should not be influenced by private investors. Following growing pressure, FIFA decided to drop the proposal.

African football officials welcomed the decision and reaffirmed their support for Infantino’s leadership.

Motsepe Praises Infantino’s Relationship With Africa

Patrice Motsepe, who has led CAF since 2021, described Infantino as a loyal supporter of African football.

“He’s a loyal friend. 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,” Motsepe said.

Other CAF officials, including Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa and FIFA Council members from Egypt, Niger and Mauritania, also backed Infantino and praised the decision to abandon the investment plan.

Why Africa Continues to Support Infantino

Africa remains one of Infantino’s strongest political support bases within global football governance, largely because of FIFA’s financial development programmes.

When Infantino was elected FIFA president in 2016, he promised to increase funding for football development worldwide. That commitment later expanded through the FIFA Forward programme.

Under the current system, FIFA provides each member association with significant financial support every four years, helping smaller football nations invest in youth development, training facilities and international competitions.

For many African football federations, these funds are essential due to limited sponsorship opportunities and competing national priorities.

As FIFA approaches another presidential election cycle, Africa’s continued support could play a major role in shaping Infantino’s future leadership at world football’s governing body.

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