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The Confédération Africaine de Football has paid tribute to FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he completes a decade in charge of world football’s governing body, describing his leadership as steady and transformative.
In a statement published Thursday on its official website, CAF congratulated Infantino on what it called an outstanding 10 year tenure. The African football body highlighted what it sees as a strong working relationship with FIFA and tangible progress across the continent during his time in office.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe commended Infantino for guiding the global game through a period of reform and expansion.
“CAF congratulates Gianni Infantino on the excellent leadership that he has provided as FIFA President over the past 10 years and for his enormous contribution to the development and growth of football throughout the world,” Motsepe said.
Motsepe added that African football has found in Infantino a committed ally.
“African football and world football have a loyal and trustworthy friend and partner in Gianni Infantino. CAF wishes him good health and everything of the best.”
Infantino assumed office in February 2016 at a turbulent moment in FIFA’s history. His predecessor, Sepp Blatter, had stepped down amid corruption scandals that badly damaged the organisation’s credibility. At the time, FIFA faced intense scrutiny from sponsors, fans and law enforcement authorities across several countries.
A former UEFA general secretary, Infantino campaigned on promises of reform, transparency and wider inclusion in global competitions. He won the presidency after a competitive election at the FIFA Congress, securing 115 votes in the second round to defeat Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who received 88.
Prince Ali bin al Hussein collected 27 votes in the opening ballot but saw his support drop to four in the decisive round. Former FIFA official Jerome Champagne earned seven votes in the first round and none in the second, while South African businessman Tokyo Sexwale withdrew before voting began.
Infantino’s leadership was reaffirmed in June 2019 when he was re elected by acclamation at the FIFA Congress in Paris, standing unopposed for a second term.
Since taking office, he has overseen significant changes to FIFA competitions and funding structures. The expansion of major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, has been a central feature of his presidency. FIFA has also increased financial support to member associations through development programmes aimed at infrastructure, youth football and governance.
Africa has been among the regions that benefited from increased investment, with several member associations receiving enhanced funding for facilities and grassroots initiatives. CAF officials have frequently pointed to stronger institutional ties with FIFA during Infantino’s tenure.
