The Confederation of African Football (CAF) held elections to appoint its representatives to the FIFA Council, with notable shifts in power dynamics across the continent.
While CAF President Patrice Motsepe secured re-election until 2029, Senegal and Ivory Coast failed to gain representation in FIFA’s highest decision-making body, marking a setback for two nations that have grown in prominence on the African football scene.
Who votes in the elections?
The election process involves delegates from CAF’s 54 member associations casting their votes.
However, with Congo-Brazzaville currently suspended, only 53 federations participated in this year’s selection.
Africa’s new FIFA Council representatives
Alongside Motsepe, six other African representatives were elected to the FIFA Council.
Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa, a dominant figure in African football administration, retained his seat with 49 votes—just short of the all-time record of 54 votes, set by Tunisia’s Tarek Bouchamaoui.
Lekjaa, who serves as Morocco’s Minister Delegate for the Budget and president of the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, has considerable influence within CAF, holding key positions on the Finance Committee and the committee overseeing interclub competitions and licensing.
Egypt’s Hani Abu Rida and Nigeria’s Gabriela Hima Hamidou both secured 35 votes to retain their seats.
Comorian Kanizat Ibrahim, currently CAF’s fifth vice-president and the first woman to hold the position, strengthened her standing with 30 votes.
Mauritania’s Ahmed Ould Yahya, CAF’s second vice-president, also earned a spot with 29 votes, matching the tally of Djibouti’s Suleiman Hassan Waberi, CAF’s third vice-president.
Senegal and Ivory Coast fall short
Among the biggest surprises of the election was the failure of Augustin Senghor, CAF’s first vice-president and president of the Senegalese Football Federation, to secure a seat.
Finishing 10th with just 13 votes, Senghor’s poor result led him to announce his resignation.
Another unexpected outcome saw Idriss Diallo, president of the Ivorian Football Federation, manage only 18 votes, placing ninth.
Despite hosting a highly successful Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2023, Ivory Coast was unable to translate its on-field and organizational achievements into political influence within FIFA’s decision-making structures.
A position of power and prestige
A seat on the FIFA Council is not just a position of influence—it also comes with significant financial rewards.
Members play a key role in shaping global football policies while receiving an annual salary of $250,000, along with travel expenses.
With Morocco and Comoros securing key positions and Senegal and Ivory Coast left without representation, the election results highlight the shifting power balance in African football governance.
