Motsepe says CAF backs Infantino, urges World Cup ambition

Patrice Motsepe said African football’s 54 member associations unanimously support Gianni Infantino for re-election as FIFA president, while urging the continent to pursue the World Cup title and invest more in player development. Motsepe made the statements Thursday at a Confederation of African Football strategy conference in Cape Verde. He said the associations had adopted a unanimous resolution backing Infantino and would stand by him in the next election. The reported endorsement is CAF’s position as described by its president; the material provided does not include a vote record or confirmations from the individual associations. The next FIFA presidential election is scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat, Morocco. Motsepe’s announcement does not determine the outcome. Infantino, who addressed the conference, thanked African football leaders for their support and said FIFA would continue seeking resources to strengthen the game on the continent. Motsepe also called for African teams to set winning the World Cup as a central ambition, rather than treating progress through the tournament as the ultimate goal.