Power Play in African Football: Key Takeaways from the CAF/FIFA Council Election

The 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo proved to be a defining moment for African football, as key decisions shaped the leadership of the continent’s governing body. South African mining magnate Dr. Patrice Motsepe was re-elected unopposed for a second four-year term as CAF president, reinforcing the trust and confidence placed in him by member associations. With FIFA President Gianni Infantino in attendance, the gathering also determined Africa’s new representatives on the FIFA Council, setting the stage for the future direction of the sport across the continent.

Having initially been reserved about seeking another term, Motsepe ultimately embraced the overwhelming support from CAF stakeholders, securing his position at the helm of African football. His leadership has been marked by financial stability, increased investment in infrastructure, and a renewed drive to make African football more competitive on the global stage. The past four years have seen CAF undergo a major transformation, including the financial turnaround of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which generated an unprecedented $72 million in profit and attracted a record global audience of 2 billion viewers.

Beyond Motsepe’s reappointment, the Cairo assembly also saw new faces join CAF’s Executive Committee and Africa’s representation on the FIFA Council. Among them, Cameroonian football legend Samuel Eto’o secured a seat on CAF’s Executive Committee, further cementing his role in shaping the future of the sport on the continent.

Patrice Motsepe, President Confederation of African Football

Eto’o’s appointment came after the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) overturned a previous CAF ban that had initially excluded him from running. His ban had been imposed due to a breach of ethical guidelines related to his role as a brand ambassador for a betting company, which also saw him fined $200,000. However, the CAS ruling cleared the way for him to take up a leadership position within CAF.

Despite a career marked by success—including winning three Champions League titles, four African Footballer of the Year awards, and leading Cameroon to Olympic gold and two AFCON victories—Eto’o has also been at the center of controversy. His past includes a physical altercation with a fan at the 2022 World Cup and a FIFA ban from national team matches for six months. Nevertheless, his election to CAF’s Executive Committee marks his growing influence in African football governance.

Meanwhile, six African administrators claimed spots on the FIFA Council. Moroccan football chief Fouzi Lekjaa led the race with 49 votes, while Egypt’s Hani Abou Rida and Niger’s Djibrilla Hamidou followed with 35 votes each. Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya and Djibouti’s Souleiman Waberi also secured seats, marking a milestone for Waberi, who became the first football administrator from Djibouti to hold such a prestigious position. His election sparked widespread celebrations back home.

Amaju Pinnick’s Narrow Defeat

For former Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president Amaju Pinnick, the election ended in heartbreak. In a razor-thin contest, he fell just one vote short of retaining his seat on the FIFA Council, managing 28 votes compared to Waberi’s 29. Having served on FIFA’s highest decision-making body since 2021, Pinnick’s loss signals a shift in the continent’s football leadership landscape.

Amaju Pinnick

In the women’s category, Comoros’ Kanizat Ibrahim emerged victorious, securing a seat with 30 votes, leaving competitors Lydia Nsekera and Isha Johansen trailing behind.

With a fresh mandate, Motsepe’s leadership will be tested in the years ahead. The challenge now is to ensure that the progress of his first term translates into tangible growth for African football. Infrastructure development, financial stability, and increased global competitiveness will be at the heart of this journey, as CAF looks to solidify its place on the world stage.