Five influential African football leaders have publicly expressed their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid controversy surrounding his abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues.

As Infantino seeks backing from Africa's 54 member associations to retain his position ahead of FIFA's presidential election in March 2027, these leaders have issued statements endorsing him despite welcoming the decision to drop the $4.2 billion commercial rights selloff proposal.

Their support comes ahead of a meeting of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee scheduled for Thursday, August 7, 2026, where the abandoned plan will be discussed.

While football administrators from Asia, Europe, and the Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) have publicly expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, CAF has remained reserved, offering hope that Infantino can rely on its large membership.

The practice of gifting grants to member associations was initially introduced by Infantino’s predecessor, Sepp Blatter, during his 1998 election campaign against Lennart Johansson. Blatter secured support from most African countries, which had not previously received financial assistance from world football’s governing body, even though CAF formally endorsed Johansson, then UEFA president.

Additional context includes reports that former Arsenal manager Arsène Wenger was unaware of Infantino’s FIFA plan, UEFA confirming a legal letter served to FIFA regarding the World Cup plan, and reports that Infantino sought support from former U.S. President Donald Trump after the plan's failure. Meanwhile, England is reportedly set to follow Wales in withdrawing support for Infantino.

Sources