Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confederation of African Football, maintains that FIFA president Gianni Infantino should remain in his role unless a formal election determines otherwise. This stance arrives as global pressure intensifies against Infantino, particularly following his controversial attempt to sell World Cup stakes to private entities.
A coalition representing football governing bodies in Europe, Asia, and North America recently expressed a loss of faith in his leadership, suggesting he should step down before next March. Motsepe, who also serves as a FIFA vice-president, urged critics to utilize official channels rather than forcing an early resignation. He stressed that the 211 member associations hold the mandate to determine his future through the ballot box.
The controversy surrounding the potential World Cup sell-off continues to incite backlash, with the Football Association of Ireland recently joining the English and Welsh associations in retracting their public support. The FAI specifically cited grievances regarding transparency and insufficient communication as primary drivers for their decision. While acknowledging the need for governance improvements, Motsepe suggested that Infantino has addressed these concerns with apologies and noted that the original proposals were always intended for member review.
