Infantino gains African backing as FIFA leadership criticism continues

ZURICH: FIFA President Gianni Infantino received a major boost in his bid for a fourth term after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously expressed support for his leadership, while criticism from European football authorities continued.

CAF, which represents 54 member associations and is one of FIFA’s largest voting blocs, endorsed Infantino’s leadership, a move seen as a significant political gain for the FIFA president ahead of the next election.

However, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) reiterated that it still lacks confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

UEFA said its position had not changed despite FIFA withdrawing a controversial proposal involving private investment in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other major events. The European body said FIFA had not provided guarantees that similar decisions would not be pursued in the future.

FIFA has apologized to its 211 member associations over the handling of the investment proposal, acknowledging flaws in the decision-making process and promising a comprehensive review.

Meanwhile, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) expressed concerns over unilateral decision-making and called for greater transparency and institutional reforms within FIFA.