CAF Backs FIFA, Infantino After FFE Controversy

CAF has unanimously endorsed FIFA's joint statement acknowledging mistakes in the handling of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), while reaffirming its commitment to good governance, transparency and due process.

The decision was reached during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, which also unanimously renewed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The FFE proposal, unveiled by FIFA on July 28, 2026, sought to establish a FIFA-owned commercial subsidiary to oversee the organisation's commercial and event operations, including the FIFA World Cup. The initiative aimed to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to investors, with the funds intended to boost football development across FIFA's 211 member associations.

However, the proposal faced widespread criticism after concerns emerged that FIFA's Council and member associations were not adequately consulted before it was announced. Following the backlash, FIFA withdrew the proposal.

On August 6, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström issued a joint statement admitting that mistakes had been made during the process. They apologised for the lack of consultation, confirmed that the proposal had been withdrawn, and announced that a review would be conducted, with findings to be presented at the next FIFA Council meeting.

"We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise," the statement said.

"It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process. It should have been handled differently. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to ensuring they do not happen again."

FIFA also stressed that although errors were made, all actions taken complied with its regulatory framework.

Responding to the development, CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA's position, saying the organisation remains committed to the highest standards of governance and accountability.

"CAF welcomes and endorses the Joint Update by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström," Motsepe said.

"We will continue to focus on making African football among the best in the world while reaffirming our commitment to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices."

He added that governance, due process and transparency are "crucial and non-negotiable" for African football and pledged continued collaboration with FIFA, member associations and other stakeholders to strengthen the global game.

Motsepe also highlighted CAF's ongoing investment in youth football, coaching development, national teams and domestic leagues across its 54 member associations. He noted that discussions with sponsors, partners and investors were progressing well to ensure CAF remains financially independent while improving stadiums and football infrastructure across the continent.

He further revealed that preparations for the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the "PAMOJA" banner, were advancing steadily.

The CAF Executive Committee also thanked Infantino, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and the FIFA administration for successfully organising the 2026 FIFA World Cup, while praising the ongoing 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women's Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the tournament as a major success with a high standard of football.