African football leaders rally behind Infantino
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, is gearing up for a March election that will determine whether he can extend his tenure at the head of world football’s governing body. His campaign has received a decisive boost from a handful of African football administrators who have publicly pledged their support, citing his commitment to expanding development programmes on the continent.
Among them are Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco, Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Hamidou Djibrilla of Niger and Ahmed Yhaya of Mauritania, each of whom has highlighted the importance of financial stability for their national associations. Their endorsements underscore a broader confidence in Infantino’s vision for African football.
The endorsement comes at a time when many African federations are grappling with limited resources, relying on FIFA’s Forward funding scheme and modest grants from the Confederation of African Football to maintain infrastructure, medical supplies and competitive teams. Infantino’s earlier proposal to monetize future World Cup revenues was dropped after intense pressure, a move that was welcomed by African leaders who praised his willingness to listen and adapt.
Infantino’s predecessor Sepp Blatter introduced financial grants to African associations in 1998, and Infantino expanded this initiative under the name FIFA Forward, a program that continues to underpin the continent’s modest but growing infrastructure. The personal rapport between Infantino and Veron Mosengo‑Omba, the DR Congo federation chief and former CAF general secretary, has also been cited as a factor in the continent’s continued loyalty.