Motsepe calls for due process as Fifa president Infantino faces rival confederations

CAF President Patrice Motsepe has urged football leaders to respect democratic procedures and good governance ahead of next year’s Fifa presidential election, while reaffirming Africa’s support for Gianni Infantino.

Speaking to Sky Sports on Wednesday night, Motsepe rejected suggestions that world football is locked in an internal conflict. Instead, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) president said the sport’s 211 member associations should be allowed to decide who leads Fifa through the established electoral process.

“You’ve got to be very careful,” Motsepe warned. “The Fifa election is taking place next year. Shouldn’t we allow that process to continue, and let the 211 members decide? There are many times when a candidate I want to win doesn’t win, but whoever wins, I’m going to support them.”

Infantino has faced renewed criticism after an open letter signed by three continental confederations – Uefa, Concacaf and the AFC – accused the Fifa president of breaking trust “through deception”.

The letter followed controversy over Infantino’s unsuccessful attempt to sell part of the World Cup to private investors. The episode has intensified scrutiny of his leadership and fuelled speculation about possible rival candidates in next year’s election.

Motsepe, however, said Africa remained behind Infantino and pointed to what he described as the Fifa president’s longstanding commitment to developing football on the continent.

“He’s been loyal to African football, and he enjoys the support of Africa,” Motsepe stated. “When I sit with my leadership and we look at the world, every part of the world starts off by looking after its own interest.

“He has focused on contributing to the development and growth of football, and that’s where his support comes from. People have seen what he’s done over the years.”

The CAF president also addressed the allegations and political pressure surrounding Infantino, arguing that individual disputes should not take precedence over legal and democratic safeguards.

“Don’t confuse advancing your personal interest with legality, due process, and governance,” Motsepe said. “Good governance and legality are non-negotiable.”

He added that football leaders must be accountable if their conduct fails to meet those standards.

“If I, as a president, behave in a manner that does not reflect due process or governance, I should be subject to interrogation and have questions asked of me.”

Motsepe said anyone with concerns about Infantino should use the formal mechanisms available within football rather than attempting to bypass them.

“If anybody has a problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni or anybody else, follow the process follow the Fifa process. And if you want to take him out, good for you. Let the 211 member associations decide, and the vote will express whether they’ve got confidence in him or not.”

Infantino has remained the focus of mounting criticism and speculation over the possibility of challengers emerging before the election. Motsepe’s comments represent a clear statement of support from Africa, while also stressing that the final decision must be made through a vote of Fifa’s member associations.

“Everybody has a right to be heard in a proper forum, proceeding, or court. If you have any accusations or allegations, go in and submit whatever your accusations may be, and it will be assessed. There is a process.”