Patrice Motsepe, head of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), recently voiced strong support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Speaking in Johannesburg, Motsepe highlighted Infantino’s dedication to the sport and his consistent backing of African football. This endorsement comes while Infantino faces backlash regarding various FIFA initiatives, including the handling of disciplinary procedures, the implementation of hydration breaks, and the potential expansion of the World Cup to a 64-team format.
Motsepe praised the FIFA leader for increasing African representation on the world stage, noting that the continent secured extra slots that led to a record 10 teams participating in the most recent tournament held in North America. Currently, Infantino is preparing to seek a fourth term in 2027.
While Africa’s 54-member bloc remains a significant pillar of support for the FIFA president, opposition is mounting elsewhere. Javier Tebas, president of La Liga in Spain, recently criticized Infantino’s leadership, arguing that the current structure of global football management is deeply flawed. Tebas claimed that the focus on temporary, massive tournaments threatens the stability of the broader football industry and the livelihoods of those who depend on it.
