CAF Unanimously Backs Infantino for FIFA Presidency

On 29 April 2026, CAF met in Vancouver, Canada, on the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress. All 54 member associations voted unanimously to back Gianni Infantino’s re-election for the 2027-2031 term.

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Gianni Infantino succeeded Sepp Blatter in 2016 and was re-elected unopposed in 2019 and 2023. His tenure introduced the FIFA Forward programme, expanded the FIFA Club World Cup and grew the World Cup format, while increasing funding and development projects in Africa.

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Gianni Infantino – FIFA president; Patrice Motsepe – CAF president; CONMEBOL – first confederation to endorse Infantino; 54 CAF member associations.

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CAF’s 54 members account for roughly 25 % of FIFA’s 211-association electorate, adding 54 votes to Infantino’s potential total. The 76th FIFA Congress meets in Vancouver; the 77th Elective Congress, where the presidential vote will be taken, is rumored for Morocco in 2027.

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CAF’s statement said its members “unanimously agreed to support Gianni Infantino to be re-elected as President of FIFA for the period 2027-2031.” CONMEBOL’s earlier endorsement was the first continental backing. Infantino has not yet announced a candidacy, but the African bloc is seen as bolstering his prospects.

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Critics argue Infantino’s reforms concentrate decision-making in Zurich and raise governance-transparency concerns, especially around new tournaments like the FIFA Club World Cup.

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Africa’s unified vote forms a decisive bloc in the 211-member electoral college, potentially shaping the 2027 presidential outcome and reflecting the political payoff of the FIFA Forward programme amid governance criticism.

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• “The Confederation of African Football (CAF) held a meeting on Wednesday 29 April 2026, in Vancouver, Canada on the eve of the 76th FIFA Congress and the CAF Member Associations unanimously agreed to support Gianni Infantino to be re-elected as President of FIFA for the period 2027-2031.” — CAF Statement

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• “Infantino's presidency has been marked by major reforms and some controversy, with the financial growth of FIFA and introduction of new tournaments such as the FIFA Club World Cup, coupled with increased criticism of governance decisions and centralised power at Zurich.” — ESPN analysis

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• “Infantino has cultivated significant support across Africa by advocating for increased funding via the FIFA Forward programme, an expanded FIFA World Cup, and greater representation for the continent, as well as significant development investment for the 54-CAF member associations.” — ESPN analysis

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• “The unified endorsement from Africa reflects the strong ties that Infantino has developed with the continent -- and specifically, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe -- over the last decade.” — ESPN analysis

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The 76th FIFA Congress convenes in Vancouver this week, followed by the 77th Elective Congress in Morocco in 2027, where the presidential vote will be taken. FIFA also announced rule changes on yellow-card suspensions and increased prize money.

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