Motsepe backs Infantino as CAF calls for fair hearing over alleged violations

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Dr Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed the organisation’s support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino while stressing the importance of transparency, ethics and good governance in football administration.

Speaking at CNN Global Perspectives in Doha, Qatar, Motsepe described Infantino as a close and loyal friend, making clear that CAF continues to stand behind the FIFA president.

“Gianni is a very good friend, a very loyal friend,” Motsepe said.

“We’ve said very clearly we support Gianni.”

However, the South African businessman emphasised that support for Infantino should not come at the expense of accountability, insisting that any allegations of wrongdoing must be addressed through the appropriate process.

“Governance for us, transparency, ethics, from an African perspective, are critically, critically important,” he added.

Motsepe also called for a hearing to take place before any conclusions are reached over the alleged violations.

“Let a hearing take place and let judgment be made whether there’s been a violation or not,” he said.

His comments underline CAF’s position that the allegations should be assessed through a fair hearing, rather than judged before the relevant process has been completed.

The remarks also highlight the importance Motsepe places on due process in football governance, with the CAF president maintaining that questions surrounding potential violations should be resolved on the basis of evidence and an appropriate judgment.

Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, has led world football’s governing body through a period of significant changes, including the expansion of the men’s FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament.

Motsepe, meanwhile, has been CAF president since March 2021 and has repeatedly spoken about the need to strengthen African football and improve governance across the continent.

His latest comments in Doha reinforce CAF’s stated support for Infantino while making clear that allegations of violations should be subjected to a proper hearing and judgment.

Motsepe did not identify the specific alleged violation in the remarks provided, and further details would be needed to establish the circumstances surrounding the issue.