CAF president rejects calls for Gianni Infantino to resign, saying FIFA’s 211 member associations should determine his fate at the ballot box
Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has backed an electoral process to determine Gianni Infantino’s future as FIFA president, amid mounting criticism of the Swiss football administrator.
Motsepe, who is also the FIFA vice-president, said any attempt to remove Infantino should follow the organisation’s established electoral process, allowing all 211 member associations to decide whether they still have confidence in him.
“If anybody has got any problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni, whether it is anybody else, follow the process, follow the FIFA process,” Motsepe told Sky News.
Pressure mounts on Infantino
Infantino is facing growing opposition following criticism of a proposed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) intensified pressure on the FIFA president in a joint letter, accusing him of undermining trust and placing himself above the collective authority that entrusted him with leadership.
There are reports that some federations want Infantino to resign before he can seek re-election in March next year.
Ireland became the latest federation to withdraw its support for the 56-year-old Swiss, following similar decisions by the English and Welsh football associations.
The Football Association of Ireland (FAI) said it had rescinded a previous letter of support, citing concerns over governance, transparency and insufficient consultation.
Motsepe calls for due process
Motsepe, however, urged football authorities to allow the election process to take its course.
“If you want to take him out, go for elections; let the 211 member associations decide,” he said.
He also called for a proper forum where concerns about FIFA’s leadership and the proposed World Cup investment plans could be discussed.
Motsepe met UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin in Salzburg on Wednesday as tensions continue between UEFA and Infantino’s administration.
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CAF has previously backed Infantino, and Motsepe maintained that there was no breach of FIFA rules over discussions surrounding the proposed World Cup sell-off because the plans would ultimately require approval from FIFA’s member associations.
However, Motsepe acknowledged that the controversy had created serious concerns that needed to be addressed.
“There’s a lot that’s problematic and negative that they have to fix,” he said, adding that Infantino had apologised and acknowledged that the process could have been handled differently.
With opposition continuing to grow, Infantino’s future now appears increasingly tied to whether FIFA’s member associations will back him when they eventually head to the ballot box.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.