Africa invites Infantino to a strategic meeting

The president of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has been invited by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to attend a two-day strategic conference to be held in Cape Verde next October.

In a letter sent this week by the CAF to the member federations, the 54 presidents are invited to the meeting on October 7 and 8 after the president of the body, Patrice Motsepewould have raised the idea on several occasions.

Infantino’s ally

The South African mining billionaire is a close ally of Infantino, who faces strong opposition to his leadership ahead of the FIFA presidential elections in March 2027.

The CAF executive committee expressed its support for Infantino last month and several African football federations have also expressed their support as he faces the biggest challenge to his presidency following the failure of his proposal to sell a stake of up to 20% in FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors.

Africa distances itself from the opposition

The plan sparked fierce opposition from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, which are calling for a change at FIFA’s leadership. However, Africa did not express any objection to the plan and has since stated that it supports Infantino.

Although previous FIFA elections have often seen a split in the African vote, CAF’s support contrasts with fierce criticism of Infantino’s actions coming from other parts of the football world.

At the moment without rival

Africa’s 54 votes represent a significant number among the 211 member federations that will vote on whether Infantino faces a rival in the elections to be held in Rabat in March.

The Swiss leader, 56, has confirmed that he is running for re-election, but no potential rival has yet emerged. Of course, UEFA confirmed that it is looking for a credible rival.

CAF has indicated that the conference agenda will be sent to member associations in due course.

An analysis of the 2026 World Cup will also take place on October 9, to which the national coaches of all African federations have been invited, under the direction of the former Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger, who currently holds the position of Director of Global Football Development at FIFA.

Since the 2010 edition in South AfricaAfter each World Cup, FIFA has organized analysis on tactical trends, refereeing, logistical issues and other aspects related to the field of play on all continents.