Melvin Amaju Pinnick, member of the FIFA Council, has expressed confidence in his re-election bid while commending the leadership of FIFA President Gianni Infantino and CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Speaking in a recent interview, Pinnick emphasized that FIFA has undergone significant transformation, particularly in financial stability and tournament organization.
“The journey has been wonderful because the vision of our leader, Gianni Infantino, was very clear from the beginning: integrity, financial success, and impacting hugely on the member associations. These three things were accomplished beyond anybody’s imagination,” he said.
Pinnick credited Infantino’s leadership for restoring FIFA’s global reputation after past scandals.
“Gianni is a fantastic individual. Even with his towering background, he comes down to everybody’s level. He wants to solve every problem around you,” he added.
On African football, Pinnick praised CAF’s progress under Motsepe.
“For the first time in the history of the competition, about $16 million out of the over $70 million generated went to solidarity. These are things that happen when you have leaders with a clear vision,” he noted.
Addressing the upcoming FIFA Council election, Pinnick dismissed claims of political rivalry, stating, “This election is not between Amaju and Andrew Kamanga. Kamanga is my friend. Like in athletics, the first five to breast the tape will win the race.”
He reaffirmed his confidence in the process and his support from various regions in Africa.
“I have friends all over in all the zones, and I believe my friends will not let me down. But everything depends on what God Almighty wants us to achieve this time around,” he concluded.
