The Confederation of African Football has unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino despite growing calls for his resignation over the handling of the now-abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, insisting it remains committed to governance, transparency and accountability in African football.
In a statement released on Thursday, CAF said its Executive Committee unanimously endorsed a joint update issued by Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, backing the FIFA leadership’s response to the controversy surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise.
FIFA had acknowledged shortcomings in the handling of the proposal, admitting that member associations and the FIFA Council should have been more involved in the process.
The world football governing body stated, “We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (‘FFE’). It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again.”
FIFA added that the proposal had been withdrawn and announced that a review would be conducted, with its findings to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting.
It maintained that despite the procedural shortcomings, “everything that was done, was done in full compliance with the FIFA Regulatory Framework.”
Reacting to the development, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s position and stressed that good governance remains central to African football’s future.
“CAF welcomes and endorses the ‘Joint Update’ by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström. CAF will continue to focus on making African football amongst the best in the world and is reaffirming its commitment to adhering to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices,” Motsepe said.
He added, “For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations. This is also the conduct that is expected from CAF.”
Motsepe further said CAF would continue collaborating with FIFA, its member associations and other stakeholders to uphold governance standards while driving the development of football across the continent.
“We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its Member Associations, other Football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practices and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide,” he said.
The CAF president also highlighted ongoing efforts to improve football infrastructure, support youth development and strengthen national teams and domestic leagues across Africa.
According to him, discussions with existing and prospective sponsors and investors were progressing well, while preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the “PAMOJA” theme, were advancing steadily.
CAF’s Executive Committee also thanked Infantino, Grafström and the FIFA administration for their continued support of African football and for delivering what it described as a successful FIFA World Cup 2026.
The committee further praised the standard of play at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the tournament as a major success with a high level of football on display.
