African football leaders rally behind Infantino amid FIFA power struggle

African football leaders have moved to shore up Gianni Infantino’s position after the FIFA president abandoned a controversial $4.2 billion commercial project amid mounting opposition from several of the world’s leading football confederations.

According to Reuters, football authorities in Europe, Asia and North and Central America expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership over the weekend, prompting influential figures within African football to rally behind the Swiss administrator ahead of the FIFA presidential election in Rabat in March 2027.

Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa and Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe have emerged as two of Infantino’s strongest allies as tensions grow within world football’s governing body.

African backing strengthens Infantino’s position

Lekjaa, who also serves as a CAF vice-president, welcomed Infantino’s decision to withdraw the proposed “FIFA Forward Enterprise” plan, stressing the importance of preserving unity within global football.

“The progress achieved in recent years through FIFA’s development programs, particularly in Africa, represents a valuable achievement that must be preserved for the benefit of all member associations,” the statement reads.

“In this context, despite the importance of the proposed reform, the unity of the global football family must take precedence over any differences it may have generated.”

The Moroccan football chief added that Infantino’s move was “a wise one, as it prioritises unity and cohesion among FIFA’s member associations through a participatory approach to advancing the development of football.”

Lekjaa also reaffirmed the Royal Moroccan Football Federation’s support for Infantino and the development programmes introduced during his presidency.

Motsepe stands by FIFA president

CAF president Patrice Motsepe and members of the continental body’s executive committee have also maintained a united front as they seek to protect African interests while ensuring Infantino remains politically competitive.

Motsepe pointed to the close relationship that has developed between FIFA’s current administration and African football over recent years.

“He’s loyal to Africa,” Motsepe stated while underlining the support Infantino has provided to the continent.

“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’s influence ahead of 2027 election

The public backing from Africa’s football leadership could prove crucial as Infantino prepares for the next FIFA presidential election, which is scheduled to take place in Morocco in 2027.

With opposition reportedly growing among some of football’s most powerful confederations, support from Africa—one of FIFA’s largest voting blocs—may play a decisive role in shaping the future leadership of world football.

The latest developments also underline Africa’s increasing political influence within FIFA, with leading figures from the continent positioning themselves at the centre of key decisions affecting the global game.