CAF president Patrice Motsepe urges FIFA members to decide Infantino’s future

Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed his support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, while insisting that any challenge to his leadership must be settled through an election involving all 211 member associations.

The president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) made the comments in an interview with Sky News on the sidelines of the UEFA Super Cup final, amid growing criticism of FIFA’s governance.

UEFA, Concacaf and the AFC have recently criticised Infantino, but Motsepe said the next FIFA president should be chosen by the organisation’s full membership. He argued that anyone who believes Infantino should be replaced must formally stand against him in the electoral process.

“If there are candidates who wish to stand against him, let them submit their candidacy. That is the right approach. […] Let the 211 member associations decide, and the vote will show whether they have confidence in him or not,” Motsepe said.

The South African also stressed that Infantino continues to enjoy significant support across Africa. He linked that backing to what he described as the FIFA president’s contribution to the development of football on the continent.

Motsepe said Infantino had remained supportive of African football and that people had taken account of his record over several years.

“He has been faithful to African football. He has the support of Africa. […] People have seen what he has done over the years,” he said.

However, Motsepe drew a distinction between supporting Infantino and dismissing concerns about FIFA’s governance. With a number of FIFA decisions currently facing criticism, he said any allegations involving the organisation or its president should be assessed through established procedures.

He insisted that defending an individual’s interests could not come at the expense of legality, due process or good governance.

“Personal interests must not be confused with legality, respect for procedures and good governance. Respect for procedures, governance and legality are non-negotiable, non-negotiable,” Motsepe said.

Asked whether an investigation into Infantino was necessary, the CAF president again directed anyone with concerns to FIFA’s formal mechanisms. He said accusations or allegations should be officially submitted so that they could be considered through the appropriate process.

“If you have an accusation, whatever it may be, or even mere allegations, go and officially file your accusations, whatever they may be, and they will be examined. There is a procedure,” he said.

Motsepe’s comments come as tensions over FIFA’s leadership and governance continue to grow. Rather than expressing a definitive position on any possible allegations against Infantino, he argued that the organisation’s rules should determine how such claims are handled.

The next presidential election will therefore provide the formal opportunity for FIFA’s 211 member associations to decide whether Infantino retains their confidence, or whether another candidate should lead world football.