CAF chief Motsepe defends Infantino, rules out South Africa and FIFA presidential bids
Motsepe defends Infantino’s leadership
Patrice Motsepe, the president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has publicly defended FIFA president Gianni Infantino. Motsepe described Infantino as a dedicated leader who has shown a strong commitment to football globally and has been a friend to Africa. This support comes amidst growing criticism directed at Infantino regarding various decisions made by FIFA.
Infantino has faced scrutiny over FIFA’s decision to delay a suspension for United States striker Folarin Balogun during the recent World Cup. Other points of contention include the introduction of hydration breaks and the potential expansion of the men’s tournament to 64 teams. Motsepe, speaking to journalists in Johannesburg, highlighted Infantino’s loyalty to Africa and his role in advancing football across the continent.
Motsepe specifically noted Infantino’s pivotal role in increasing opportunities for African national teams on the global stage. This includes an increase in Africa’s allocation by four direct places and an additional playoff berth. The continent saw a record 10 teams participate in this year’s tournament, which was co-hosted by the US, Mexico, and Canada.
Infantino, who assumed the FIFA presidency in 2016, is seeking re-election for a fourth term in 2027. Africa holds significant influence in FIFA politics, with CAF’s 54 member associations forming the largest unified voting bloc among the six continental confederations. CONMEBOL, the South American governing body, was the first to publicly endorse Infantino’s re-election bid in April, with CAF quickly following suit.
However, some European football associations and allied bodies have expressed discontent. Reports suggest that a Europe-backed candidate might emerge to challenge Infantino. Javier Tebas, the president of the Spanish football league, recently stated that Infantino’s time was “over,” criticizing what he called a “fundamentally flawed” system that has allowed Infantino to lead the global governing body for a decade. Tebas argued that the current approach is “destroying the football industry” for an event that lasts 40 days and involves only a minority of players.
Motsepe dismisses political aspirations
In other remarks, Patrice Motsepe has definitively ruled out any future in politics, including a bid for the South African presidency. Speculation had linked the 64-year-old mining magnate to a potential succession of his brother-in-law, President Cyril Ramaphosa, whose second and final term is set to conclude in 2029. Motsepe stated that South Africa has many capable leaders and does not require his entry into politics.
Motsepe also dismissed any ambition to succeed Gianni Infantino as FIFA chief, affirming his focus on his current role at the helm of CAF. His current term as CAF president extends until 2029. He expressed that the prospect of becoming FIFA president does not excite him.
The succession debate within South Africa’s governing African National Congress (ANC) has intensified, particularly as President Ramaphosa navigates a challenging second term. This follows the party’s worst electoral performance, which necessitated an uneasy coalition government. Ramaphosa has also faced renewed pressure concerning a cash-heist scandal, where $4 million was reportedly stolen from his private game farm.
Despite attending the ANC’s national general council meeting in December, where some delegates wore T-shirts with the slogan “PM27″—referencing a possible presidential bid in 2027—Motsepe brushed aside suggestions of being drawn into the contest. He noted that he is not part of any specific group, which sometimes leads to unflattering comments from friends who believe he might be persuaded to change his stance.
Motsepe founded and owns the mining company African Rainbow Minerals and is recognized as Africa’s eighth richest person, with a personal wealth estimated at $3.5 billion by Forbes magazine. He became the first black South African to be included on the Forbes billionaire list in 2012. He also owns the CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns.
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Source: channelstv.com
