CAF Accepts FIFA Apology and Renews Support for Infantino

According to an official statement, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee has unanimously endorsed an update presented by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström regarding the FIFA Forward initiative, addressing governance errors while pledging strict adherence to transparency and legal procedures across the continent’s 54 member associations.

FIFA Forward Initiative Errors Addressed by Leadership

During the executive committee meeting, FIFA leadership acknowledged that errors occurred during the creation of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise project. According to CAF’s official statement, both Gianni Infantino and Mattias Grafström offered a clear apology for those procedural mistakes and gave assurances they would not be repeated. FIFA confirmed there was no intention to exclude the FIFA Council or member associations from the process, admitting the matter should have been handled differently.

Following the discussions, FIFA withdrew the proposal that was scheduled for approval by member associations and the FIFA Council. According to the governing body, all standard procedures had followed FIFA’s regulatory framework despite the acknowledged errors. A comprehensive review will now take place, with final findings submitted to the FIFA Council at its upcoming meeting.

CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe stated that the confederation welcomes and fully supports the joint update delivered by FIFA. Motsepe emphasized that governance, legal procedures, and transparency remain non-negotiable for African football institutions. According to the CAF president, this rigorous standard of conduct is what the organization expects from governments, companies, and internal institutions alike.

Motsepe reaffirmed CAF’s dedication to working alongside FIFA, continental confederations, and member associations to protect global governance standards. This collaborative approach directly supports the continuous development of male and female players, coaches, national teams, and domestic amateur and professional competitions throughout Africa.

Financial Independence and Infrastructure Progress

Beyond administrative reforms, CAF reported steady progress in ongoing discussions with sponsors, commercial partners, and both current and new investors. According to Motsepe, these strategic financial initiatives aim to secure long-term financial self-sufficiency and independence for African football, while directly funding the construction and upgrading of stadiums and regional infrastructure.

Preparation milestones were also highlighted for upcoming marquee tournaments, including the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations set to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Additionally, the executive committee praised the exceptional organizational standard and brilliant success of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations currently underway in Morocco.

Executive Committee Backs FIFA Leadership

The CAF executive committee closed the session by offering unanimous support to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, expressing gratitude for his ongoing backing of African football. Committee members also thanked Infantino, Secretary General Mattias Grafström, and the wider FIFA administration for organizing the 2026 World Cup.

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