The March 12, 2025, FIFA Council elections in Cairo, Egypt, are going to be some of the most brutal in years as a total of ten African hopefuls vie for only five slots.
The elections are so crucial because those who will be elected will play a significant role in shaping world football policies while encouraging the development of African football.
They all have their own strengths, networks, and political connections, so this is as much a strategic battle as a popularity contest.
Among the favourites, Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa is the only candidate with the most institutional backing. As president of the Moroccan Football Federation, his influence extends beyond CAF into FIFA’s corridors of power.
Morocco’s high-profile football investments, including acquiring the right to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal, have added to his viability.
Additionally, Morocco acquiring ability to host the U17 FIFA World Cup for five consecutive tournaments indicates that he can negotiate at the international level. With the support of both CAF and FIFA presidents, Lekjaa looks almost certain to secure a seat.
Another front-runner is Nigeria’s Amaju Pinnick, whose diplomatic acumen and extensive network of international contacts are well documented.
The former Nigerian Football Federation president started his campaign well in advance, going to the extent of involving several FA presidents across the African continent.
His close relationship with CAF President Patrice Motsepe and FIFA President Gianni Infantino also enhances his chances even though he tries to downplay it.
Pinnick, even though from the Anglophone region, he enjoys extremely robust backing from Francophone and Arab nations, thanks to his deep friendship with Senegal’s Augustin Senghor and politician Djibrilla Hima Hamidou of Niger and others.
His business acumen for oil, gas, engineering, construction, and agriculture has also secured him political and economic influence, making him the most powerful among the candidates in this race.
Senegal’s Augustin Senghor is yet another strong candidate with a fabulous track record. Since his election as president of the Senegalese Football Federation, he has overseen one of Senegalese football history’s most dominant periods.
Under his leadership, Senegal has won many championships, including the 2021 AFCON, the 2022 CHAN, and the U17 and U20 AFCONs.
Senghor’s honesty and administrative image make him very highly regarded, but his current role as first CAF Vice President makes some voters perceive that he already possesses too much influence in African football. With two years left on his term Senghor remains an influential figure in Africa and World football even if he loses.
Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, commonly known as “Pele,” is Nigerien Football Federation boss and a commanding figure in African football. His military background renders him a model of firm and committed leadership, for which he has strong backing across Francophone nations.
His influence in the remainder of the continent, however, is relatively limited, and he will struggle to gather English-speaking regions of Africa behind him.
Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya has positioned himself as a FIFA favourite, courtesy of his pioneering effort in Mauritanian football. His ability to develop football infrastructure and boost the image of Mauritania in global football has gained him widespread acclaim from CAF and FIFA.
Although he has immense backing from Francophone nations and Arab countries, his unobtrusive campaign may hinder his chances. His inability to participate in the recent WAFU Zone A General Assembly also raised eyebrows about his seriousness for this race.
Souleiman Hassan Waberi of Djibouti is another contender, leveraging his role as a CAF Vice President to add credibility. He is a well-known political strategist and understands the politics of African football administration.
Waberi is well-connected to the CAF and FIFA presidents. He is the first known supporter for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidency from Africa. He has served on one of FIFA’s strong committees for eight years. He is liked by many.
Mathurin de Chacus of the Benin is highly respected by FA presidents all over Africa but has maintained a relatively low profile throughout his campaign. Although he enjoys goodwill among African football people, his inability to fight for votes suggests that he may not be serious about the race, something that may come back to haunt him on election day.
Zambia’s Andrew Kamanga has become a regional favourite, backed by CECAFA and COSAFA, two influential blocs in African football. But his political troubles at home, including disagreements with the Zambian government over perceived legal issues, could derail his candidacy.
Concerns about political interference in his football administration could also deter voters who fear instability.
Veteran football official Hani Abou Rida of Egypt enters the race with decades of experience. A grizzled CAF and FIFA veteran for years, he played a key role in shaping African football policy years ago.
After rules were changed, successfully having made a comeback as Egypt FA President, Abou Rida remains one of the most influential individuals in African football. But his long tenure in the sport may work against him, as some voters may prefer to see fresh faces with fresh ideas.
Finally, Ivory Coast’s Idriss Diallo has gained momentum following his country’s successful hosting and AFCON 2023 win. His close ties with the Ivorian government and wide Francophone support ensure he is a top contender.
However, as a first-time candidate in FIFA Council elections, he faces stiff competition from seasoned administrators with deeper connections in CAF and FIFA.
Final Thoughts
With only five seats available, the fight is bound to be fiercely contested. While Lekjaa, Pinnick, Yahya, Abou Rida, and Waberi appear to be the front runners, there could be surprises on voting day.
The outcome will not only decide Africa’s voice in FIFA but also map the future of football development in the continent for the next couple of years.
Everyone will be watching Cairo on March 12, 2025, when African football leaders make their choices for the future of the sport on the global scene.
