The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously reaffirmed its backing for FIFA President Gianni Infantino after the withdrawal of the governing body’s proposed private equity commercial initiative.
The decision strengthens Infantino’s position ahead of FIFA’s next presidential election, with all 54 CAF member associations remaining aligned behind the FIFA president despite recent criticism over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
Infantino recently acknowledged mistakes surrounding the initiative and issued what he described as a “sincere apology for errors” made during the process.
Following a series of meetings, CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the Executive Committee’s unanimous endorsement of FIFA’s latest position on the withdrawn commercial plan.
“The CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) unanimously endorses the ‘Joint Update’ by the FIFA President and Secretary General on the FIFA Forward Enterprise and will continue to focus on making African football amongst the best in the world and adhering to governance and transparency global best practices,” the statement read.
CAF said it fully supports the joint update issued by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafstrom, while reaffirming its commitment to transparency, accountability and good governance across African football.
The continental football body stressed that governance, due process and transparency remain essential principles, adding that such standards are expected not only from governments and businesses but also from football institutions, including CAF itself.
CAF also pledged to continue working closely with FIFA, its member associations, other continental confederations and football stakeholders to strengthen governance standards while promoting the global growth of the sport.
The Executive Committee reiterated its commitment to developing football across Africa through increased investment in youth development, coaching, national teams and both amateur and professional leagues.
It added that discussions with existing and prospective sponsors, commercial partners and investors are progressing positively, with the aim of ensuring CAF remains financially sustainable while supporting the construction and upgrading of stadiums and other football infrastructure across the continent.
CAF further disclosed that preparations are advancing for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the “PAMOJA” banner, alongside other continental competitions.
