Five influential African football administrators have expressed support for Gianni Infantino amid a controversy over a now-abandoned World Cup revenue plan.

Five prominent African football leaders have issued statements supporting FIFA President Gianni Infantino as he faces pressure following a failed proposal to sell a stake in future World Cup revenue. While administrators in Asia, Europe, and CONCACAF have expressed a loss of confidence in his leadership, Infantino is looking to the 54 members of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) for backing ahead of the FIFA presidential election next March.

Support Amidst Controversy

The support from African leaders follows Infantino's decision to abandon a plan to raise $4.2 billion through a new commercial rights body. The project was dropped last Friday after facing intense pressure. Despite the controversy, CAF committee members, including Vice President Fouzi Lekjaa of Morocco and FIFA Council members Hany Abo Rida of Egypt, Hamidou Djibrilla of Niger, and Ahmed Yhaya of Mauritania, have publicly backed the FIFA president. Veron Mosengo-Omba, president of the Democratic Republic of Congo's football federation, also issued a statement of support.

Financial Ties and FIFA Funding

Infantino's popularity among African members is largely attributed to his commitment to increasing development funding for member associations. FIFA currently guarantees each of its 211 member associations $8 million over a four-year cycle. Many African football leaders emphasize that this funding is essential for their ability to compete, as they lack domestic sponsors and government resources for infrastructure and equipment. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has also expressed personal loyalty to Infantino, describing him as a loyal friend to Africa.