CAF backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino amid Forward Enterprise controversy

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee unanimously endorsed the joint update issued by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström regarding the withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal. CAF said the update confirmed that no intention existed to exclude the FIFA Council or member associations, while acknowledging mistakes in the project's rollout. The proposal, intended to create a commercial entity for World Cup rights, has been withdrawn and a review will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next meeting.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed the apology and pledged to strengthen governance, transparency and accountability across African football. He reaffirmed CAF’s support for Infantino, highlighting the confederation’s role as a key voting bloc ahead of the FIFA presidential election and its commitment to developing men’s and women’s football, infrastructure and financial self‑sufficiency. The statement also noted progress in preparations for the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, to be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

The endorsement contrasts with UEFA’s boycott threat over the FFE plan and with CONMEBOL’s expressed concerns, underscoring a widening divide within world football governance.