On the sidelines of the 2026 World Cup, Gianni Infantino’s presidency—once celebrated for its commitment to football’s development—has come under fire after a bid to sell stakes in global competitions fell apart.

While the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to record an official vote, several African football leaders have already sent messages of support. Five of the seven African members on the FIFA Council – Egypt, Morocco, Niger, Mauritania and Comoros – publicly backed Infantino. Their allegiance largely reflects the benefits they have drawn from FIFA’s Forward programme, a generous funding scheme that the president introduced in 2016 to bankroll clubs, grass‑roots projects and women’s football in nations where commercial income falls short.

Morocco

Morocco’s rise as a football powerhouse has been underpinned by government backing, and the nation’s capital, Rabat, hosts FIFA’s African regional office. Moroccan clubs have won the FIFA Club World Cup, and they and Spain and Portugal will co‑host the 2030 World Cup. Moroccan football president Fouzi Lekjaa praised Infantino for scrapping the Forward Enterprise proposal, describing the decision as “wise” and a testament to unity across FIFA’s 211 members. Senior execs met in Morocco on Wednesday and consolidated their support, following a turbulent period over the plan’s collapse.

Egypt

Egypt, home to CAF’s headquarters, remains one of Infantino’s strongest allies in Africa. Football administrator Hany Abo Rida has kept close ties with the president since 2016, and the country has reaped benefits from the Forward programme, including infrastructure and youth development. Egyptian officials now expect FIFA to do more than just fund projects; they urge greater governance, transparency and a clearer role for CAF to shape Africa’s destiny.

DR Congo

Congolese officials welcomed Infantino’s withdrawal of the contentious Forward Enterprise proposal, calling it “wise.” President Véron Mosengo‑Omba, newly elected in May 2026, pledged continued support for FIFA beyond 2027 and highlighted the federation’s long‑standing partnership with the president, especially for investment in development and infrastructure.

Nigeria

Nigeria’s football federation has also aligned itself with Infantino’s leadership. Despite worldwide backlash, Nigerian officials explained that the president’s plans could deliver much needed finance without over‑reliance on local governments. The country could receive up to $8m in current Forward funding, with projects like the redevelopment of the NFF Technical Centre in Abuja on the agenda.

Other African voices

South African Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie tweeted that Infantino has been “very good to African football”. Malt and Uganda football officials echoed that FIFA investment has transformed their games. Yet not everyone endorses the president; Sierra Leone’s FA president Isha Johansen warned of over‑commercialisation and the risks associated with the plan’s sale. CAF president Patrice Motsepe remains on the side of Infantino, calling him “a good friend.”

Reporting from Morocco, Egypt, DR Congo, Nigeria and the wider African continent.