CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has called for Gianni Infantino’s future as FIFA president to be decided through the organisation’s electoral process, rather than through pressure for his resignation.

Infantino is facing growing scrutiny following a controversial proposal involving private investment in FIFA competitions, including future World Cups. The plan was eventually abandoned, but it has triggered a major disagreement between FIFA’s leadership and several continental football bodies.

UEFA, the Asian football confederation and CONCACAF have been among those expressing concerns over Infantino’s leadership, with calls for him to step aside gaining momentum in recent weeks.

Motsepe, however, believes the decision should ultimately rest with FIFA’s 211 member associations. The CAF president says the established electoral process provides the appropriate platform for football nations to determine who should lead the world governing body.

The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 17, 2027, at the organisation’s 77th Congress in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino is seeking another term, and potential challengers have until November 18 to submit their candidacies.

Motsepe’s position comes after CAF formally backed Infantino earlier this month, giving the Swiss-Italian administrator an important show of support from Africa’s football leadership. Africa’s 54 FIFA member associations represent more than a quarter of the organisation’s voting membership, making the continent an influential bloc in any presidential contest.

But CAF’s endorsement does not necessarily guarantee that all 54 African associations will vote for Infantino. Recent reporting suggests some national federations may make their own decisions when the election arrives, particularly if a credible challenger emerges.

For Motsepe, though, the principle is straightforward. FIFA’s leadership should be determined through a transparent election rather than removed through political pressure.

That leaves Infantino facing a crucial period ahead of the 2027 vote. With opposition growing in parts of world football and Africa’s support potentially influential, the election could become one of the most closely watched leadership contests in FIFA’s recent history.

By: Addy Kennedy Edem