Why African football’s backing could prove crucial to Infantino’s 2027 FIFA bid

Gianni Infantino is attracting support from a number of African football leaders ahead of the next FIFA presidential election, with officials pointing to investment and development projects across the continent during his time in charge.

The backing comes days after Samuel Eto’o, president of the Cameroon Football Federation, said he remained committed to supporting Infantino despite the controversy surrounding the FIFA president.

Marcelin Bokov, president of the Benin Football Federation, defended his position in comments reported by Reuters on the sidelines of the forthcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.

Bokov said Infantino’s record should be judged on what had been achieved during the past decade rather than on the debate surrounding his personality.

“The first concern of African associations is the continued development of football on the continent,” Bokov said.

He identified the investment made available to African football in recent years as an important factor, while stressing that funding and development work needed to continue and increase if the continent’s needs were to be met.

Bokov’s comments add to signs that African support could become one of the strongest elements of Infantino’s campaign as he seeks another mandate at FIFA.

Gideon Fosu, a member of the executive committee of the Ghana Football Association, also expressed his appreciation for Infantino’s focus on African football.

Fosu said Infantino’s commitment to developing the game, particularly women’s football, deserved support regardless of traditional divisions within the sport.

The comments reflect a view among some African officials that the continent’s assessment of Infantino should be based primarily on the resources and opportunities made available to its football associations, rather than on wider disagreements about his leadership.

Eto’o has made a similar argument. The former Cameroon international said the different perspective of African countries should be taken into account when Infantino’s performance is assessed, compared with the views of football’s major powers.

He has again confirmed his support for the FIFA president.

Infantino has led FIFA since 2016 and is preparing to stand in the presidential election scheduled for 18 March 2027. He is seeking what would be his final term in office.

With several African football figures now publicly defending his record, support from the continent is expected to be a significant part of the contest. Their backing is rooted in the investments and development programmes delivered during Infantino’s leadership, while also carrying a call for those efforts to be sustained and expanded.

The election campaign is taking place amid continuing debate about Infantino, but the statements from Benin, Ghana and Cameroon underline the importance of Africa in the next FIFA leadership race.