Africa’s Stand: Why the Continent Still Back Gianni Infantino

Sun Sep 06 2026 13:24:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

African football leaders keep backing FIFA boss Gianni Infantino despite controversy, thanks to vital funding and shared future plans.

Despite backlash over FIFA’s forward‑investment plans, many African football federations still support Gianni Infantino. Key allies such as Morocco, Egypt, DR Congo, and Nigeria argue that FIFA’s Forward programme has built stadiums, youth academies and coaching courses across the continent. A handful of nations, however, remain skeptical, warning that commercial pressure could come at the expense of grassroots development. The backdrop? A turbulent FIFA leadership clash, the withdrawal of a controversial proposal, and the looming 2030 World Cup co‑hosting with Spain and Portugal.

A Quick Take

Far from disappearing, many African football associations keep backing FIFA’s boss Gianni Infantino. Why? It’s largely about money on the pitch and the Future of African football.

Morocco: The Powerhouse

Morocco sits at the crossroads of FIFA’s African office and the 2030 World Cup co‑host plans. Its president, Fouzi Lekjaa, called Infantino’s withdrawal of the Forward Enterprise proposal “wise”, showing how the country values both neutrality and backing from the global body.

Egypt: The Firm Ally

Egypt, home to CAF headquarters, remains one of Infantino’s biggest institutional supporters. The NFA’s two‑month bite and the continent’s “financial lifeline” look at the Forward programme by way of infrastructure and coaching.

DR Congo: The Veteran Voice

Fecofa’s new president, Véron Mosengo‑Omba, praised the decision to retract the contentious proposal, underlining the federation’s long‑standing bond with FIFA’s aid – from stadium upgrades to youth camps.

Nigeria: The Need‑Based Support

Nigeria’s NFF relies heavily on FIFA’s Forward funds, allowing the NFF Technical Centre to redevelop facilities. Despite the pathetic council feud, Nigerian officials keep saying Infantino’s plan “helps balance financial gaps”.

Standing Voices and Voiceless Nations

From the Minister of Sports in South Africa and the President of Malawi FA to Uganda’s chief, many African leaders praise Infantino for global economic stimulus. Still, some skeptics, like Sierra Leone’s ex‑FA president, fear over‑commercialisation can erode local plateaus of development.
Story by Chris Meller for SnapScope