African Backing Fuels Infantino's Campaign
Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, is intensifying efforts to secure the backing of African football administrators as he prepares for the upcoming March election. His decision to abandon a controversial scheme that would have sold stakes in future World Cup revenue has been welcomed by many across the continent.
Five prominent African football leaders have publicly voiced their support for Infantino. The list includes Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco, Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Hamidou Djibrilla of Niger, Ahmed Yhaya of Mauritania and Veron Mosengo‑Omba of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
CAF's Cautious Stance
While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not yet issued a definitive position on Infantino’s future, senior members of the body have indicated that they will keep their counsel. This measured approach offers the FIFA president a degree of optimism as he seeks to maintain his influence within African football.
African nations have long relied on financial support from FIFA, a dependence that has deepened under the FIFA Forward program. The organization’s baseline funding guarantees each member association $8 million over a four‑year cycle, and CAF also distributes annual grants to its affiliates.
Financial Realities in African Football
Saïd Ali Athouman of Comoros and Fleetwood Haiya of Malawi have highlighted the fiscal challenges faced by many African football associations, emphasizing the need for sustained funding to develop infrastructure and remain competitive on the international stage.
Infantino’s 2016 election victory was partly built on promises to double development funding for FIFA members, a pledge that has materialized in the form of expanded grants. The current climate suggests that African support could prove decisive as the March election approaches, even as other continents have grown skeptical of his leadership.