South Sudan Football Association (SSFA) has become the first Confederation of African Football (CAF) member to throw its weight behind incumbent Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s re-election bid in next year’s election.
SSFA president Augustino Maduot made the pledge on Wednesday at a press conference he hosted alongside Infantino at the association’s headquarters in Juba.
“SSFA believes that the world governing body for football is in safe hand of President Gianni Infantino, and we have unanimously endorsed him for presidency of FIFA in the next coming elections, and we’ll always support and stand with him in his mission and vision, to continue bringing changes in the World football, Africa Continent and especially South Sudan,” he said.
Augustino said Infantino deserves re-election because he has done a lot to develop football in Africa, particularly South Sudan.
“Mr. President Gianni, in the last two terms of your tenure, the global football family has seen a massive development of football under your wise leadership and our nation South Sudan wasn’t left behind,” he told the press.
“When we took over the office, FIFA has been so instrumental to us; we are anticipating to celebrate the completion of our national stadium which FIFA under President Gianni sponsored, currently, FIFA is supporting women’s football development, FIFA has so far supported South Sudan Women’s Cup, pledged to support interschool’s competition and communication are underway for our national league for women besides Pilot Project on Menstrual Hygiene Education.”
Infantino needs the backing of CAF affiliates, as Africa is the biggest voting bloc in Fifa elections since it contributes 54 voters.
Infantino replaced Sepp Blatter, who was fingered in a corruption scandal that led to his arrest, eight years ago. Infantino is gunning for a third four-year term.
So far, there is no other candidate who has appeared to challenge Infantino and SSFA insists its backing of the current FIFA boss is final and there is no room to change the decision even if another candidate emerges on the scene.