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FIFA politics poses a real test for Gianni Infantino, with all eyes on the stance of African football confederations.
The period before the next election does not appear to be easy for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. There is ongoing debate within the organization about his leadership style, past decisions and future plans. Meanwhile, the support of African football associations is considered very important for them. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has expressed its support for Infantino, but despite this, it cannot be considered certain that all African football associations will vote in the same direction in the elections.
African votes have a special significance in FIFA politics. A large number of the continent’s member associations participate in FIFA elections and their support for any presidential candidate can strengthen the electoral equation. This is why CAF’s support is crucial for Infantino, while the stance of individual member associations is also closely monitored.
However, the history of past FIFA elections shows that the decision of the continental body is not always indicative of the vote of every member association. On several occasions, national football associations have voted against the choice of their regional association. So the challenge facing Infantino is not only to gain the support of CAF, but also to maintain that support among African confederations until the elections.
Why are African votes not guaranteed despite CAF support?
CAF’s support is considered a major political base for any FIFA presidential candidate. Strong ties with African football’s highest continental body could help Infantino gain access to several member associations. But in FIFA’s electoral system, the final vote rests with the national football associations.
This is why CAF’s official support and the support of all African countries are not the same thing. Each association can take into account its own interests, regional equations, relations with FIFA and the policies of the candidate. Development programmes, financial support, infrastructure projects and schemes to promote youth football from FIFA are also important issues for African football associations. In such a situation, support for any candidate is not decided only by political equations.
This is the biggest challenge for Infantino. He will have to demonstrate how his policies are beneficial to African football and whether the continent will continue to receive adequate consideration at FIFA level under his leadership.
The history of FIFA elections shows that the picture is not always straightforward.
Regional organizations have long played a significant role in FIFA politics. Continental organizations generally try to show solidarity in support of a candidate. But when it comes to voting, national associations can also take their own decisions.
There have also been instances in African football where there has been a divergence between CAF’s stance and the voting stance of some national associations. This means that support for any candidate cannot be considered certain until the election takes place.
The same situation seems to be happening in Infantino’s case. CAF’s support is a strong start for him, but as the election campaign progresses, many African associations may reconsider their stance, especially if a strong challenger emerges.
The dispute over World Cup commercial rights has added to the difficulties.
A significant part of the current debate surrounding Infantino’s leadership has been related to FIFA’s commercial strategy. In the past, plans to acquire World Cup commercial rights have raised concerns among regional organisations such as UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF.
The questions regarding these schemes were not limited to just economic share. It also led to debates between FIFA and its continental associations over rights, priorities and decision-making processes. The issue is important to Infantino because his plans as FIFA president impact the football structure not just in Europe or South America, but across all continents, including Africa.
African confederations can now see how FIFA’s commercial and tournament-related policies benefit them in the future. In such a situation, Infantino’s plans could become a factor influencing his electoral support.
African confederations also face no easy decision.
African football confederations currently face the challenge of maintaining a political balance. On one hand there is official support from CAF, while on the other hand there is ongoing international debate over some of Infantino’s policies as FIFA president.
National associations also need to take their domestic football interests into account. FIFA’s development programmes and financial support are vital to many countries in Africa. In such a situation, relations with the presidential candidate can affect future opportunities.
Moreover, many unions may reconsider their options if another strong candidate emerges. It is not unusual for last-minute changes to occur in electoral politics.
Maintaining support is the biggest challenge for Infantino.
Infantino faces the challenge of securing African support and maintaining it until the election. Despite receiving official endorsements, it is still difficult to say whether all African unions will take the same stance in the final vote.
The most important thing for them will be to maintain their strong ties with African football. Issues related to development plans, youth football, women’s football, infrastructure and international competitions could become an important part of his campaign in the future.
The African Union will also see how much difference there is between election promises and actual policies. Rather than just political support, it will be important for them to see whether FIFA’s next direction delivers real benefits to their football structure.
African votes could be decisive ahead of the next FIFA elections.
The role of African football associations will be crucial in Infantino’s next election campaign. CAF’s support certainly gives them a strong base, but considering any vote as a foregone conclusion in FIFA’s electoral politics could be risky. The biggest question now is whether all national associations will accept CAF’s support in the same way or some countries will take an independent stand. If a strong challenger enters the fray, this question will become more important.
For Infantino, dialogue with African unions and prioritizing their interests could be a key part of his electoral strategy in the coming months. On the other hand, African unions will also have the opportunity to use their bargaining power.
At present, the situation is such that the support definitely appears to be in favour of Infantino, but the picture is not completely clear. As the FIFA elections draw closer, the strategies of the candidates, potential challengers and the stance of individual national associations could change the equation. In such a situation, African votes can become not just numbers but an important factor in deciding the next political direction of FIFA.
