CAF backs FIFA after Forward Enterprise Controversy, reaffirms support for Infantino

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously endorsed FIFA’s joint statement acknowledging shortcomings 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 reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise was unveiled on July 28, 2026, as a proposed FIFA-owned commercial subsidiary intended to manage the organisation’s commercial and event operations, including the FIFA World Cup, while raising about $4.2 billion through the sale of minority stakes to investors.

FIFA said the initiative was designed to generate additional revenue for football development across its 211 member associations. However, the proposal attracted criticism after concerns emerged that FIFA’s Council and member associations were not adequately consulted before its announcement.

Following the backlash, FIFA on August 6 acknowledged that mistakes had been made in the consultation process.

In a joint statement, FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström apologised for the shortcomings, admitted that member associations and the FIFA Council should have been more involved, withdrew the proposal and announced that a review of the process would be undertaken.

They maintained, however, that all actions taken complied with FIFA’s regulatory framework.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CAF said it had endorsed the joint update released by Infantino and Grafström.

According to CAF, FIFA acknowledged that the process leading to the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise should have been handled differently.

“We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of the FIFA Forward Enterprise. 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,” FIFA stated.

The world football governing body added that the proposal had been withdrawn and would no longer proceed.

“With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting. Furthermore, the proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table,” FIFA said.

CAF Reaffirms Commitment to Good Governance

CAF President Patrice Motsepe welcomed FIFA’s position, stressing that governance, transparency and due process remain fundamental principles for African football.

“CAF welcomes and endorses the joint update by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström. CAF will continue to focus on making African football among the best in the world while adhering to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices,” Motsepe said.

He described good governance as non-negotiable, adding that the same standards expected of governments and businesses should also apply to football administration.

“We are committed to working with FIFA, its member associations, other football confederations and stakeholders to uphold governance, due process and transparency while contributing to the development and growth of football worldwide,” he added.

Motsepe said CAF would continue to prioritise the development of players, coaches, national teams and domestic leagues across its 54 member associations.

He also disclosed that discussions with existing and prospective sponsors and investors were progressing positively, with the aim of strengthening CAF’s financial independence and supporting the construction and upgrading of football infrastructure across Africa.

CAF Reaffirms Support for Infantino

The CAF Executive Committee also unanimously reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and commended him, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and the FIFA administration for organising what it described as a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The committee further praised the ongoing 2026 TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, describing the standard of football as very high and the tournament as a major success.