While the Nigeria Football Federation and other African football bodies have signaled support for Gianni Infantino’s continued leadership at FIFA, one former official has broken the silence. Adjib Koulamallah, the former deputy secretary general of the Chadian FA, issued an open letter critiquing the current state of football governance under Infantino.
Koulamallah argues that many African football federations remain silent regarding FIFA’s controversies due to financial dependency. He claims that development grants and project funding create a system of compliance rather than genuine unity. According to Koulamallah, this dynamic forces federations to trade their dignity for financial stability.
The letter highlights specific concerns regarding Infantino’s tenure, including the perceived lack of transparency, the creation of arbitrary awards, and the handling of disciplinary issues. Koulamallah points to inconsistencies in how FIFA applies rules, specifically citing the reversal of a suspension for an American player following alleged political influence. He also criticizes the decision-making process for future World Cups and the lack of investigation into allegations of political bias within FIFA’s Ethics Committee.
Furthermore, the author expresses frustration over the treatment of African football, suggesting that CAF acts as an extension of FIFA headquarters in Zurich. He concludes by urging African football leaders and fans to reclaim the sport from those who use financial incentives to maintain political control, declaring his refusal to join the widespread chorus of approval for the current FIFA administration.
