Motsepe to step down as CAF president before 2030 World Cup

African football will head into the next World Cup under new leadership after Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed he will not remain in office by the time the tournament kicks off.

The South African billionaire, who has led CAF since 2021, used a press conference in Johannesburg to end mounting speculation about his future and signal the start of a succession race at the top of the continent’s game.

“D’ici a la prochaine Coupe du Monde, je ne serai plus a la CAF. J’y assisterai en tant que spectateur,” he said – “By the next World Cup, I will no longer be at CAF. I will attend as a spectator.”

His announcement marks a significant turning point for African football’s governing body, which has undergone a period of reform and modernisation under his tenure.

Sudden clarity after months of speculation

For several months, rumours had circulated across African football circles about whether Motsepe would seek to extend his influence at the helm of CAF or step aside at the end of his current mandate.

By publicly clarifying his intentions, Motsepe has sought to shut down speculation about internal power struggles and bring stability to the transition process.

The 62-year-old’s decision effectively confirms that African football will enter the next World Cup cycle with a new president, reshaping the political landscape of the sport on the continent.

Reformist tenure reaches its final phase

Since winning the CAF presidency in 2021, Motsepe has positioned himself as a reform-minded leader, pushing efforts to modernise the organisation and increase the global profile of African football.

His administration has focused on:

– Strengthening CAF’s governance and financial credibility – Expanding competitions and enhancing commercial partnerships – Raising the visibility of African footballers and national teams on the world stage

Under his leadership, CAF has sought closer collaboration with FIFA and other confederations, aiming to secure greater investment and a larger share of influence in global football affairs.

Motsepe’s impending exit now raises questions about whether these reforms will be consolidated or reoriented under new leadership.

Succession battle set to shape African football

With Motsepe explicitly stating he will watch the next World Cup “as a spectator” rather than as CAF president, attention will quickly turn to who might emerge as his successor.

CAF’s member associations will be expected to navigate a delicate transition in the coming months and years, balancing regional interests, political alliances and competing visions for the future of the game.

The organisation must also ensure continuity on major projects launched during Motsepe’s tenure, including efforts to improve infrastructure, develop youth football and strengthen domestic leagues across Africa.

2029 election to decide new CAF president

CAF will hold its next presidential election in 2029, when delegates from across the continent will choose the new figurehead of African football.

“Rendez-vous en 2029 pour une nouvelle election pour connaitre le nouveau boss du football africain,” was how officials framed the upcoming contest – an appointment that will shape strategy, investment and international influence for years to come.

Until then, Motsepe’s remaining time in office is expected to focus on ensuring what he has signalled he wants: an orderly handover and a stable path towards a new era in African football governance.