Motsepe rules out Fifa bid as CAF chief backs Infantino re‐election push

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has thrown his full support behind Gianni Infantino’s bid for re-election as FIFA president, while ruling out any personal ambition to seek a future role at world football’s governing body.

Infantino, who is expected to stand again at FIFA’s presidential vote in March next year, has come under sustained criticism in the wake of the recent FIFA World Cup staged in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Among his most vocal critics has been LaLiga president Javier Tebas, who has called for Infantino to step down, accusing FIFA of damaging domestic leagues and clubs through the expansion of international competitions.

Against that backdrop, Motsepe confirmed that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) will continue to stand behind the current FIFA president.

“I personally support Infantino,” Motsepe said. “He’s not just a good friend, he’s loyal to Africa. I come from a background where, when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back.”

‘Africa needs a committed FIFA president’

Motsepe stressed that, from CAF’s perspective, Infantino’s record in backing African football has been decisive in securing his endorsement.

“You need to have a president of FIFA who is as committed to African football development and growth as Gianni is,” he said.

“And then you need to work with other confederations as well for the success of football, because we need football to develop and grow on the African continent.”

The CAF president praised Infantino’s contribution to African football during his tenure, presenting the Swiss-Italian as a key ally in efforts to expand the game across the continent.

Defence of Infantino’s character

Motsepe also moved to defend Infantino personally amid the wider controversies surrounding FIFA’s decision-making and reforms.

“With Gianni, what is more important is what we discuss in private. I always look at the heart of a person. We are all human. We all make mistakes. I think I make more mistakes than anybody else.”

His remarks underline a relationship that Motsepe portrays as grounded in trust and long-term cooperation rather than public positioning.

No interest in succeeding Infantino

Speculation that Motsepe could emerge as a future candidate to succeed Infantino has been growing within sections of the global game, but the South African businessman was unequivocal in dismissing any such prospect.

He made clear he has no desire to move into FIFA’s top job or to seek any other position within the organisation, insisting his focus will remain with CAF for the rest of his mandate.

Motsepe went further by confirming he will step down as CAF president at the end of his current term and will not seek to extend his stay beyond 2029.

“Nobody is going to persuade me to serve more than two terms at CAF. It’s not going to happen,” he said.

“I was only supposed to serve one term, but some partners said, ‘If you leave, then the money we are paying CAF leaves with you’.”

Two-term pledge at CAF

Those comments underline Motsepe’s commitment to a self-imposed two-term limit, despite having already bowed to pressure from commercial partners to stay on beyond his first mandate.

Motsepe’s emphasis on term limits comes at a time when governance and leadership renewal are under scrutiny across football administration, including within continental confederations and at FIFA level.

For now, Motsepe insists his priority remains the “development and growth” of the African game during the remainder of his presidency, while CAF’s declared backing for Infantino signals continued alignment between African football’s leadership and the incumbent FIFA hierarchy ahead of next year’s election.