In a statement published on Thursday, August 6, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the “Joint Update from the FIFA President and the FIFA Secretary General regarding FIFA Forward Enterprise.” They also reaffirmed their commitment “to making African football one of the best in the world, in accordance with the highest international standards of governance and transparency.”
The joint communication included an apology to FIFA member associations, acknowledging that “mistakes were made in relation to the process concerning the proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).”
The CAF Executive Committee also unanimously reiterated its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, thanking him “for his continued support for African football over the years.” The confederation had previously backed the Italian-Swiss official, who is seeking another term ahead of the 77th FIFA Congress, scheduled for March 18, 2027, in Rabat.
Read also : Infantino convenes emergency FIFA meeting in Morocco after FFE U-turn
CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated: “For us in Africa, respect for governance, due process, and transparency is essential and non-negotiable, because these are the standards of conduct we expect from our governments, businesses, institutions, and organizations. They are also the standards expected of CAF.
“We are committed to continuing to work with FIFA, its Member Associations, the other football Confederations and stakeholders to uphold and respect the highest international standards of governance, due process and transparency, and to contribute to the development and growth of football worldwide.
“CAF will also continue to focus on the development of our young male and female footballers, coaches and instructors, the national teams of our 54 Member Associations, as well as amateur and professional leagues across the African continent.
“Encouraging progress is being made in discussions with our current and new sponsors, partners and investors to ensure that CAF remains financially self-sufficient and independent, and that stadiums and other football infrastructure are built and modernised.”
Earlier on Thursday, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) maintained its threat to boycott FIFA competitions despite Infantino’s apology following Wednesday’s meeting in Rabat.
Meanwhile, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), which brings together 35 football associations from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, called for “a complete overhaul” of FIFA’s governance. They stated that the governing body had acted “outside any framework and without transparency, consultation or due process.”
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which has 46 FIFA member associations, and the Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) have yet to take a clear position on the issue.
