The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has thrown its weight behind FIFA following the world football governing body’s public apology over the handling of the now-withdrawn FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, while also unanimously reaffirming its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The decision was reached during a meeting of CAF’s Executive Committee, which endorsed a joint statement issued by Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström acknowledging shortcomings in the consultation process that surrounded the proposed commercial initiative.
The development comes days after FIFA formally withdrew the controversial proposal, admitting that member associations and the FIFA Council should have been more closely involved before it was unveiled.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise was announced on July 28, 2026, as a proposed FIFA-owned commercial subsidiary intended to oversee the organisation’s commercial rights and major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. The plan also sought to raise about $4.2 billion through the sale of minority stakes to investors to boost football development funding for FIFA’s 211 member associations.
However, the proposal quickly attracted criticism over concerns about governance, transparency and consultation.
In the joint update issued on August 6, Infantino and Grafström admitted mistakes were made during the process.
“It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again,” the statement said.
FIFA also confirmed that the proposal had been taken “off the table” pending a review, adding that a report would be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.
The organisation maintained that although procedural mistakes occurred, every step taken complied with FIFA’s regulatory framework.
Responding, CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s acknowledgement and said governance and transparency remain fundamental values for African football.
“CAF welcomes and endorses the Joint Update by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström,” Motsepe said.
He stressed that adherence to governance, due process and transparency was “crucial and non-negotiable” not only for football institutions but also for governments and businesses across Africa.
Motsepe added that CAF would continue collaborating with FIFA, its member associations, other continental confederations and stakeholders to strengthen accountability and safeguard global governance standards in football.
He also reaffirmed CAF’s commitment to expanding football development across Africa through greater investment in youth football, coaching education, national teams and domestic competitions.
According to the CAF president, discussions with existing and prospective sponsors, commercial partners and investors were progressing positively as the confederation works towards greater financial independence while investing in stadium upgrades and football infrastructure across the continent.
Motsepe further disclosed that preparations for the 2027 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda under the “PAMOJA” banner, were advancing steadily.
Beyond endorsing FIFA’s position, CAF’s Executive Committee unanimously renewed its support for Infantino, thanking him for what it described as his sustained commitment to the growth of African football.
The committee also commended Infantino, Grafström and the FIFA administration for organising a successful FIFA World Cup 2026.
CAF equally praised the ongoing 2026 TotalEnergies Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the tournament as a major success and highlighting the quality of football displayed throughout the competition.
The latest endorsement reinforces Africa’s continued backing of FIFA’s current leadership despite the controversy surrounding the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal, while signalling the continent’s insistence that future reforms be guided by broader consultation, transparency and sound governance practices.
