African Union: Infantino a loyal servant of the game
Johannesburg (AFP) – Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsebe strongly defended FIFA President Gianni Infantino, describing him as a loyal servant of the game and a friend to the African continent.
Infantino found himself facing criticism following FIFA’s decision to reinstate US national team striker Folarin Balogun during the World Cup, which concluded on Sunday. This came alongside the adoption of water break intervals and the proposal to expand the global finals to 64 teams, after the 2026 edition was held for the first time with 48 participants.
Speaking to journalists in Johannesburg, Motsebe said, “I admire his deep love for football, his strong commitment to developing the game worldwide, and his support for Africa.” He added that Infantino “has remained loyal” to Africa and played a significant role in developing football on the continent.
He continued, “Gianni has played a pivotal role in expanding opportunities for African national teams on the global stage,” referring to the increase in Africa’s direct World Cup slots by four additional places, plus one through the global playoffs.
The continent was represented by a record 10 national teams in the 2026 edition, which ended with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 after extra time in the final.
Infantino, who succeeded his compatriot Sepp Blatter as FIFA president in 2016, is set to run for re-election in 2027 in pursuit of a fourth term.
Last April, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) became the first continental confederation to publicly announce its support for Infantino’s re-election, followed swiftly by its African counterpart joining the list of supporters.
However, growing discontent is emerging among some European confederations and their allies, amid reports suggesting the emergence of a European-backed candidate to challenge Infantino.
Spanish League president Javier Tebas stated this week that Infantino’s time “has come to an end,” adding in comments to the Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport that there is a “flawed system at its core” that allowed him to lead world football for a full decade.
Tebs added, “They are destroying the football industry that provides tens of thousands of jobs for an event that lasts only 40 days and involves a minority of players,” referring to the World Cup.
