Fifa president Gianni Infantino continues to find backing among various African football associations, largely due to the financial benefits provided to member nations during his tenure. While his leadership faced scrutiny following the withdrawal of a controversial proposal to invite private investors into Fifa competitions, key African stakeholders have remained loyal.
Morocco, a significant partner hosting Fifa events and regional offices, reaffirmed its support through Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who praised Infantino for prioritizing organizational unity. Egypt, the home of the Confederation of African Football (Caf), also remains a core ally, bolstered by the relationship between Fifa council member Hany Abo Rida and the president. Similar sentiments have been echoed by the Congolese Football Federation and officials in Nigeria, Malawi, and the Gambia, who cite the necessity of the Fifa Forward programme for infrastructure and youth development projects in financially constrained regions.
However, the support is not unanimous. Some figures, such as former Sierra Leone FA president Isha Johansen, have cautioned against the potential over-commercialization of the sport. While Caf president Patrice Motsepe has publicly declared his loyalty to Infantino, other nations remain silent. Ultimately, for many African administrators, the tangible development funding provided by Fifa outweighs broader global criticism of Infantino’s administration.
