The Confederation of African Football (CAF) and all 54 of its member associations have unanimously reaffirmed their support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the presidential election in 2027.
CAF president Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision at the CAF Strategy Conference on Sal Island in Cabo Verde, saying Africa’s football authorities would support Infantino’s bid for another term.
“All 54 CAF Member Associations will support Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA presidential election,” Motsepe said.
The election is scheduled for March 2027, with the vote due to take place at the elective 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March 2027.
Motsepe’s declaration provides a clear indication of CAF’s position before the congress and reinforces the relationship between the African governing body and FIFA during Infantino’s presidency. CAF has previously expressed its backing for the FIFA president.
The announcement was made in front of Motsepe and representatives from African football associations, presenting a united position from the continent ahead of the election.
CAF’s support gives Infantino a significant voting bloc. Its 54 member associations represent 54 of FIFA’s 211 voting associations, providing the FIFA president with a substantial base as he seeks a further term in office.
During the conference, Infantino outlined FIFA’s investment in football development across Africa. He said the FIFA Forward programme had directed $1bn towards 124 development projects on the continent during the past 10 years.
Infantino also indicated that more resources would be made available to support African football, although no details of any additional investment were specified.
The FIFA Forward programme funds football development projects and infrastructure.
CAF’s endorsement comes against a wider political backdrop surrounding the 2027 election. Some European and North American football associations have reportedly opposed Infantino following the collapse of a proposal known as FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The proposal involved plans to sell commercial stakes in FIFA tournaments to private investors, but it was subsequently abandoned. Reports that some federations had withdrawn their support have contributed to the debate ahead of the vote.
CAF, however, has publicly maintained its backing for Infantino. Motsepe confirmed that position on behalf of all 54 of the confederation’s member associations.
Infantino’s next term will be decided at the 2027 FIFA Congress in Morocco, where FIFA’s member associations will take part in the presidential election.
For now, CAF’s declaration establishes a united African position behind Infantino, while the final outcome will depend on the decisions of FIFA’s voting associations worldwide.