Africa’s 54 federations back Infantino for re-election

Africa has announced its support for Gianni Infantino’s re-election as FIFA president. The 54 member federations of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) pledged on Thursday to back him unconditionally in the vote scheduled for March, strengthening his candidacy.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe confirmed the position and said Infantino, 56, could count on the continent’s support. « The 54 CAF member federations have unanimously decided to give Gianni their unconditional support as FIFA president », he said. Motsepe also linked the decision to Infantino’s record and his backing for African football: « This is because of Gianni’s record and the support he has given to African football. »

Earlier, Infantino had been forced to shelve a controversial plan to sell a stake in FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, following a major backlash led mainly by European and North American federations. Many of those federations withdrew their support for next year’s presidential election.

Africa’s announcement came after former Swiss defender Ramón Vega said on Wednesday that he intended to run against Infantino in the FIFA presidential election.