Patrice Motsepe confirms he will step down as CAF president before 2030 World Cup

Patrice Motsepe has confirmed he will leave his role as president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) before the 2030 World Cup and will not seek a third term in office in 2029.

Speaking at a news conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday, the CAF president said he intended to attend the 2030 tournament only as a fan rather than as head of African football’s governing body.

“D’ici la prochaine Coupe du monde (2030), je ne serai plus a la CAF. J’y assisterai en tant que simple spectateur,” Motsepe said.

The South African also used the media briefing to trail a major competition reform, revealing plans for the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to be expanded to 28 teams in the future.

No third mandate for Motsepe

Motsepe, who first took charge of CAF in March 2021 and was then re-elected in March 2025, stated he would not be a candidate when his current mandate ends in 2029.

His decision comes against a backdrop of mounting speculation over his standing within CAF’s leadership.

According to reports circulating within African football and claims made by investigative journalist Romain Molina, Motsepe is said to have lost significant backing from members of the CAF executive committee and to have seen his authority inside the organisation weakened.

Molina has also reported that relations between Motsepe and CAF first vice-president Fouzi Lekjaa – who is also president of the Federation royale marocaine de football (FRMF) – have become “very cold”.

However, Motsepe did not address those claims directly during his public appearance in Johannesburg.

Dismissal of South African presidency rumours

Alongside questions about his future at CAF, Motsepe has also been the subject of political speculation in his home country.

Some rumours have suggested the billionaire businessman might harbour ambitions to run for the presidency of South Africa once the current head of state, Cyril Ramaphosa – who is Motsepe’s brother‐in‐law – reaches the end of his term in 2029 and is not expected to stand again.

Motsepe firmly rejected the idea that he could move into national politics.

“L’Afrique du Sud n’a pas besoin que je me lance en politique. Il y a beaucoup de dirigeants tres competents et de grande qualite dans ce pays,” he said, insisting he had no intention of seeking the country’s highest office.

No interest in succeeding Infantino at FIFA

Motsepe also moved to quash any suggestion that he might be positioning himself for a global role in football governance once his time at CAF ends.

The mining magnate made clear he does not view the FIFA presidency, currently held by Gianni Infantino, as part of his plans in the medium term, with the next election for world football’s top job due in three years.

“Je n’ai ni le desir ni l’ambition de devenir president de la FIFA. Cela ne m’enthousiasme pas,” Motsepe said.

The 62-year-old did not set out a precise timetable for his departure from CAF beyond indicating that he would not seek another term and that he expects to be out of office by the time the 2030 World Cup kicks off. He also gave no further details on the format or timing of the proposed expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams.