Motsepe backs Infantino after controversial ‘most successful’ World Cup

Patrice Motsepe has thrown his weight behind under-pressure Fifa president Gianni Infantino, hailing the 2026 tournament as “the most successful Fifa World Cup in the history of the competition” despite an escalating global backlash over controversies surrounding the event.

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) president was speaking in Sandton on Wednesday as he announced a major increase in prize money for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (Wafcon), which kicks off in Morocco on Sunday.

His intervention comes as Infantino faces growing calls to resign from leading figures in world football and politics, following a World Cup that broke commercial records but was widely criticised for its governance and decision-making.

Global pressure on Infantino

La Liga president Javier Tebas has joined Uefa executive committee members and 72 members of the European Parliament in urging Infantino to step down in the wake of the 2026 finals, staged across North America.

The tournament, which ended with Spain’s victory over Argentina in New Jersey on Sunday, has been mired in controversy despite its financial success.

Criticism intensified after the inaugural Fifa Peace Prize was awarded to US President Donald Trump during the final draw in December. Subsequent flashpoints included:

– sharply inflated ticket prices – Somali referee Omar Artan reportedly being refused entry to the United States to officiate – the handling of Iran’s national team amid regional tensions – the overturning of a suspension for US forward Folarin Balogun, who had been sent off, following intervention from President Trump.

These incidents have fuelled accusations of political interference, inconsistent application of regulations and damage to Fifa’s credibility.

‘Most successful World Cup in history’

Motsepe, however, used his platform to offer a robust defence of Infantino and Fifa.

“I want to thank Gianni Infantino for the excellent work he’s done and thank Fifa, thank Mattias [Grafstrom, secretary-general of Fifa], for hosting the most successful Fifa World Cup in the history of the competition. They did good work, I’m very proud,” he said.

“What Gianni has done is to contribute towards increasing the number of African teams [from five to 10] and that’s enormously important.

“Gianni Infantino has been a loyal friend and has remained loyal to Africa. He has also been loyal to me. As we look to the future, whoever succeeds me must continue to build strong partnerships. We need a FIFA President who is as loyal to Africa and as committed to the…”

Motsepe stressed the importance of alliances with other regional confederations, openly linking that strategy to voting dynamics within Fifa.

“We have to be smart in Africa, we need partners, we’ve got to work together with the other confederations it’s very important because sometimes we need their votes.

“… Gianni Infantino has been loyal to Africa, he’s been loyal to me. You need to have a president of Fifa who is as committed to African development and growth as Gianni Infantino is.”

‘We all make mistakes’

Pressed on the controversies that overshadowed the tournament, Motsepe argued that Infantino’s intentions and long-term commitment to the sport should be the primary consideration.

“What is important is more what we discuss in private. I always look at the heart of a person. We are all human, we all have weaknesses and frailties and we all make mistakes. But what I like is the deep love for football, the deep commitment to football in the world by Gianni, the support for Africa.

“There are some of the issues we have discussed, including some you have raised, and I’m satisfied he has always shown the deepest commitment.

“There are rules in Fifa and we all have to respect those. The people in Fifa who took the decisions you refer to, there are some there with enormous integrity.

“… It’s about what the perception of ordinary people on the continent is of what we do. And it’s important that [in] Caf, and I know in Fifa as well, we are all committed to make sure that in the minds of ordinary people we are seen as people who uphold governance and ethics at the highest levels.”

Africa’s decisive voting power

Africa holds 54 votes in Fifa elections, just one fewer than Europe’s 55, and has traditionally acted as a unified bloc. That makes Caf’s stance potentially decisive in the race for the presidency.

Motsepe was asked directly whether his personal endorsement meant Caf would back Infantino at the 77th Fifa Congress, scheduled to take place in Morocco on 18 March 2027.

“We took a decision and I personally support Infantino. He’s not just a good friend, he’s a loyal friend. He’s loyal to Africa and, again, I come from a different background where, when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back,” said Motsepe.

His remarks will be seen as a clear signal that, despite mounting criticism elsewhere, Infantino can count on substantial African support as he seeks to retain control of world football’s most powerful office.