By Amaechi Agbo
Under-pressure FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s future should be decided by the organisation’s 211 member associations at next March’s presidential election, Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has said.
Infantino, who is seeking re-election, has come under increasing pressure after three major confederations, UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, criticised his leadership and called for him to step down following his controversial push to attract private investment into FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.
However, Motsepe believes Infantino’s fate should be determined through the electoral process at FIFA’s 77th Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on March 18.
“Elections are taking place next year. We should allow that process to continue and let the 211 members decide,” Motsepe said on Wednesday.
“If there are candidates who want to stand against him, put up their names. That’s the right thing.”
Motsepe said his priority was maintaining unity within world football while addressing the challenges facing the sport.
“What I like to focus on is the unity, the cooperation. How do we continue to develop and grow football in the midst of the challenges we have?” he said.
“We must deal with those challenges, resolve them and move on.”
The CAF president acknowledged that football leaders must be open to scrutiny and accountability, insisting that FIFA’s established procedures should be followed when complaints are raised.
“If I, as a president, behave in a manner that does not reflect due process or governance, I should be subject to interrogation and have those questions asked of me,” Motsepe said.
“If anyone has got a problem against anybody, whether it’s Gianni or anybody else, follow the FIFA process. And if you want to take him out, go for elections. Simple as that.”
He added: “Let the 211 member associations decide. The vote will express whether they have confidence in him or not. Everybody is entitled to fair judgement and fair treatment. Everybody should be heard.
“Due process, governance and legality are non-negotiable.”
Motsepe also confirmed that Infantino continues to enjoy the backing of CAF and its member associations.
“He’s been loyal to African football. He enjoys the support of Africa,” he said.
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