The Confederation of African Football has thrown its full support behind FIFA following the world governing body’s apology over the handling of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise. CAF’s Executive Committee unanimously endorsed FIFA’s joint statement admitting mistakes in the consultation process and also reaffirmed its confidence in FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The controversy began after FIFA announced plans to create the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial subsidiary that would oversee the organisation’s commercial rights and major competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. The proposal also included plans to raise about $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to private investors, with FIFA stating that the funds would help increase financial support for its 211 member associations.
However, the proposal quickly faced criticism from several football stakeholders, who argued that FIFA’s Council and member associations had not been properly consulted before the announcement. The backlash eventually led FIFA to withdraw the proposal and acknowledge shortcomings in the process.
In a joint statement issued by FIFA president Gianni Infantino and secretary general Mattias Grafström, the governing body admitted that mistakes had been made and apologised for how the initiative was presented.
“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 read.
FIFA also confirmed that the proposal had been withdrawn and that a review would be conducted before a report is presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting. Despite admitting errors in communication and consultation, FIFA maintained that every step taken complied with its existing regulatory framework.
CAF welcomed FIFA’s response, describing the apology and decision to review the process as a positive step. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said the African governing body remains committed to the principles of governance, transparency, accountability and due process.
Motsepe stressed that strong governance standards are essential not only in football but across governments, businesses and institutions throughout Africa. He added that CAF would continue working closely with FIFA, member associations and other football confederations to strengthen governance while supporting the growth of the game worldwide.
Beyond governance issues, Motsepe said CAF’s priority remains the development of football across the continent. He highlighted ongoing efforts to improve youth football, coaching, domestic leagues and national teams, while also revealing that discussions with sponsors and investors are progressing to ensure CAF remains financially sustainable and independent.
The CAF president also expressed confidence in preparations for upcoming continental competitions, including the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, while praising the quality of football at the ongoing 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
CAF’s Executive Committee also unanimously reaffirmed its support for Infantino, thanking him, FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström and the FIFA administration for what it described as a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup and for their continued commitment to the development of African football.
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