Billionaire Patrice Motsepe and CAF executives backs Infantino after FIFA drops plan to "sell" the World Cup for $4.2 billion

This surge of loyalty from the continent follows Infantino’s decision to abandon a controversial proposal to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes in a new commercial rights body.

While regional bodies in Europe, Asia, and North America have recently declared a loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership, the 54-member African bloc remains his most vital base of political power heading into the next FIFA presidential election.

Collapse of the FIFA World Cup "sale"

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The controversy centered on a project known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed $20 billion subsidiary designed to manage the World Cup and other major events.

Under this plan, external investors would have purchased a 20% minority stake for approximately $4.2 billion. The investment group was set to be led by Thrive Eternal, a firm founded by U.S. investor Joshua Kushner.

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However, the initiative faced immediate backlash from UEFA and UK leaders, with critics arguing that the World Cup is not FIFA's to sell.

Under intense pressure, Infantino officially scrapped the project, a move that was welcomed by African football administrators who maintained their support for his presidency.

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Patrice Motsepe says Infantino is a "Loyal Friend" to Africa

Patrice Motsepe praised Infantino in a statement published by Reuters when he said "He's a loyal friend. ​He's loyal to Africa. I come from a background where when people have been loyal to you, you never stab them in the back."

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This sentiment was echoed by other high-ranking CAF officials, including Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco and FIFA Council members from Egypt, Niger, and Mauritania.

These leaders praised the decision to drop the World Cup "sale" while simultaneously reaffirming their commitment to Infantino’s continued leadership.

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Why Africa backs Infantino

The support from African nations is largely driven by reliance on FIFA's financial development programs.

Infantino originally won the continent’s backing in February 26, 2016 by promising to more than double development money, a figure that has since expanded into the FIFA Forward program.

Today, FIFA guarantees each member association $8 million every four years, providing an essential lifeline for nations like Malawi and Comoros that lack corporate sponsors and government infrastructure.

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For many developing African nations, these funds are critical to the very survival of national football programs.

Reuters reported that officials from Comoros emphasize that unlike wealthy European associations, smaller African federations need FIFA grants to afford expensive training gear, youth development, and international travel logistics.

Furthermore, administrators from Malawi highlight that domestic governments must prioritize urgent public infrastructure and medical supplies over sports, leaving FIFA’s direct funding as the primary driver of football development across the region.

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