Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has called for FIFA’s presidential election process to run its course, saying the organisation’s 211 member associations should ultimately decide whether Gianni Infantino deserves another term in office.
Infantino is seeking re-election as FIFA president at the organisation’s 77th Congress, scheduled to take place in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18 next year.
His bid has come under increasing scrutiny following criticism from several football confederations over his leadership style and governance of world football.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF have been among those voicing concerns about Infantino’s conduct.
The criticism intensified after plans involving private investment in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, failed to materialise.
Despite the growing controversy, Motsepe has rejected suggestions that Infantino should be removed before the election, arguing that the established democratic process provides the appropriate avenue for determining the FIFA president’s future.
Speaking to Sky News on Wednesday, Motsepe said the focus should remain on allowing all FIFA member associations to exercise their voting rights.
“Elections are taking place next year. We should allow that process to continue and let the 211 members decide,” Motsepe said.
The CAF president added that anyone seeking to challenge Infantino should formally enter the race rather than attempting to force him out through other means.
“If there are candidates who want to stand against him, put up their names. That’s the right thing,” he said.
Motsepe stressed that football’s global governing body must be able to confront disagreements while maintaining unity among its members.
He said his priority was to promote cooperation and continued development of the sport despite the challenges currently confronting FIFA.
“What I like to focus on is the unity, the cooperation.
“How do we continue to develop and grow football in the midst of the challenges we have?” Motsepe said.
He also acknowledged that football administrators, including presidents, should be accountable when questions arise over their conduct.
According to Motsepe, leadership positions should not shield individuals from scrutiny, but complaints should be handled through FIFA’s established governance and disciplinary mechanisms.
“If I, as a president, behave in a manner that does not reflect due process or governance, I should be subject to interrogation and have those questions asked of me,” he said.
Motsepe maintained that anyone with concerns about Infantino should use the appropriate FIFA procedures or challenge him through the election.
“If anyone has got a problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni or anybody else, follow the FIFA process. And if you want to take him out, go for elections. Simple as that,” he said.
The CAF president further argued that every FIFA member association must have an equal opportunity to express its position through the ballot box.
“Let the 211 member associations decide.
“The vote will express whether they have confidence in him or not,” Motsepe said, while emphasising the importance of fair treatment, due process and good governance.
Despite the criticism facing Infantino in some parts of the football world, Motsepe confirmed that the FIFA president continues to enjoy the backing of African football.
He said Infantino had demonstrated commitment to the continent and retained the confidence of CAF members.
“He’s been loyal to African football. He enjoys the support of Africa,” Motsepe said.
The comments reinforce CAF’s position as the FIFA election approaches, with Motsepe making it clear that the African confederation does not intend to join calls for Infantino to step aside.
The election is therefore expected to remain a major moment for world football, with the 211 FIFA member associations set to determine whether Infantino will continue leading the organisation or whether a challenger can secure enough support to bring an end to his presidency.
