CAF backs Infantino but African votes remain uncertain
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The Confederation of African Football has backed FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of next year’s presidential election, but African football associations may not vote as a bloc, highlighting divisions within the continent’s football leadership, according to Reuters on August 13.
Infantino is seeking another term as FIFA president and is relying on support from Africa, which has 54 member associations and represents a significant share of the votes needed to win the election. The vote is scheduled to take place at the FIFA Congress in Morocco on March 17.
CAF’s support comes after controversy surrounding Infantino’s abandoned plan to sell a stake in future World Cup commercial rights. The proposal prompted criticism from several other continental football bodies, including European, Asian and North and Central American football authorities.
Infantino remains popular with many African football associations because FIFA funding to the continent has increased substantially during his time as president. However, previous elections have shown that CAF endorsements do not necessarily guarantee that its members will vote for the organisation’s preferred candidate.
African associations have broken ranks in several previous FIFA presidential contests. In 1998, CAF supported European candidate Lennart Johansson, but most African associations backed Sepp Blatter. In 2016, Infantino also won the presidency despite CAF supporting another candidate.
Morocco’s failed bid to host the 2026 World Cup provides another example of divisions among African voters. Although CAF supported Morocco, 11 African countries voted instead for the joint bid from Canada, Mexico and the United States.
The issue of Western Sahara was among the factors surrounding the 2018 vote. Morocco considers the territory part of the kingdom, while the Polisario Front seeks independence and is recognised by several African countries.
Infantino has nevertheless received formal backing from several African associations in recent days, including those from Morocco, Egypt, Mauritania, Niger and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Other African football leaders have also praised his record, particularly his financial support for less wealthy associations. But some federation presidents have avoided publicly committing themselves while waiting to see whether a rival candidate emerges.
The FIFA election requires a simple majority of 106 votes if there are two candidates. Any challenger to Infantino must submit a candidacy by November 18.
With the election still months away, Infantino’s African support could therefore change as the controversy develops and potential rivals enter the race.
Reuters,Maghrebi
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