Senegal’s Augustin Senghor has unveiled his vision to strengthen African football as he contests for a seat on the FIFA Council, with elections set for March 12 in Cairo, Egypt.
Senghor, the current first vice-president of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF), is among ten high-profile candidates vying for five available positions.
The competition for the FIFA Council seat is fierce, with notable contenders including Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco), Amaju Pinnick (Nigeria), Hany Hassan Abou Rida (Egypt), and Andrew Kamanga (Zambia).
The election will determine which five candidates will represent Africa on the global stage, influencing key policies that shape the future of international football.
Outlining his ambitions in a newly released manifesto, Senghor emphasized his commitment to advancing the continent’s football at the global level.
“I thought that the time had come to offer my services, my skills, and my experience to the realization of the convergent vision of our two leaders, Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, and Dr. Patrice Motsepe, President of CAF,” Senghor stated.
He envisions “a strong and promising African football in a world football that is ever more universal, radiant, vibrant, and popular.”
Senghor, who has led the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) for 16 years, highlighted his extensive experience as a key asset in his campaign.
His tenure includes overseeing Senegal’s historic achievement of winning five continental trophies within a single year and serving as President of the Union of West African Football Federations (WAFU) Zone A for eight years.
He has also been a member of the CAF Executive Committee for seven years.
Reflecting on his passion for the sport, Senghor expressed his desire to amplify Africa’s voice in FIFA’s decision-making processes.
“This is my one and only aspiration,” he declared, adding, “I will be able to bring more to our continent and its football in the FIFA Council where the most important decisions are made for world football and by ricochet for African football.”
Senghor concluded his manifesto with a heartfelt appeal to voters, stating, “Rest assured that whatever happens on the evening of the elections, I will remain the passionate that I have always been and above all a servant of this football that we all love so much.”
FIFA Council Member Contestants (CAF):
- Fouzi Lekjaa (Morocco)
- Ahmed Yahya (Mauritania)
- Amaju Pinnick (Nigeria)
- Mathurin De Chacus (Benin)
- Djibrilla Hima Hamidou (Niger)
- Mamoutou Touré (Mali)
- Hany Hassan Abou Rida (Egypt)
- Souleiman Hassan Waberi (Djibouti)
- Idris Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire)
- Augustin Senghor (Senegal)
- Andrew Kamanga (Zambia)
