Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has said Gianni Infantino’s future as FIFA president should be decided by the organisation’s 211 member associations at next year’s election.
Infantino is seeking another term despite growing criticism of his leadership. UEFA, European football’s governing body, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, have called for him to step down following his abandoned plan to attract private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
Motsepe said the election process should be allowed to run its course rather than seeking to remove Infantino outside FIFA’s established procedures.
“Elections are taking place next year. We should allow that process to continue and let the 211 members decide,” Motsepe told Sky News on Wednesday. “If there are candidates who want to stand against him, put up their names. That’s the right thing.”
The CAF president also stressed the importance of governance and accountability within FIFA, saying its leaders should be open to scrutiny when questions arise over their conduct.
“If I, as a president, behave in a manner that does not reflect due process or governance, I should be subject to interrogation and have those questions asked of me,” he said.
Motsepe added that complaints against FIFA officials should be dealt with through the organisation’s existing procedures, with the final decision left to the electorate.
“If anyone has got a problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni or anybody else, follow the FIFA process. And if you want to take him out, go for elections. Simple as that.”
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He said the vote would ultimately show whether Infantino still has the confidence of FIFA’s membership.
“Let the 211 member associations decide... The vote will express whether they have confidence in him or not... Everybody is entitled to fair judgement and fair treatment. Everybody should be heard... Due process, governance and legality are non-negotiable.”
Motsepe also said Infantino continues to enjoy CAF’s support, pointing to his relationship with African football during his time as FIFA president.
“He’s been loyal to African football. He enjoys the support of Africa,” Motsepe said.
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, is seeking a fourth term in office. The presidential election will be held during FIFA’s 77th Congress in Rabat on March 18, 2027.
