All 54 African football associations have unanimously backed FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s bid for another term as head of world football in 2027.
The endorsement was made at the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, Sal Island, Cabo Verde, where the presidents of all 54 CAF member associations met with CAF president Patrice Motsepe and Infantino to discuss the development and long-term sustainability of African football.
Motsepe publicly thanked Infantino for his contribution to the continent, saying: “Thank you, Gianni Infantino, for all you do for African football.”
The resolution gives Infantino the backing of all 54 African members ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election.
Explaining the decision, the resolution said the unanimous and unconditional support was made in the context of recent discussions and media coverage surrounding Infantino’s relationship with African football.
FIFA then issued an apology while reaffirming its “full support” for Infantino. In a statement, the leadership acknowledged “that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media”. (Photo by Abdelmajid BZIOUAT / AFP via Getty Images)
“The unanimous decision was taken in the context of the discussions and what has been taking place in the media, and the essential part of the resolution is that there’s a unanimous decision by the 54 CAF member associations on the African continent and FNC who represent 54 countries to unanimously and unconditionally.”
Each of CAF’s 54 member associations has a vote at the FIFA Congress, making Africa one of the largest voting blocs in the election.
Infantino also used the Cabo Verde conference to reaffirm FIFA’s commitment to African football, pointing to continued investment and closer cooperation with CAF and its member associations.
Africa’s influence in global football has also grown following the expansion of the World Cup from 32 to 48 teams. The 2026 tournament featured a record 10 African nations, with nine reaching the knockout stage, according to CAF.
