Morocco, Egypt, DR Congo and 3 other African countries back Infantino as Europe turns against him over $20 billion FIFA plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing growing resistance in Europe over his proposed $20 billion commercial investment plan, but support from Africa is holding firm, with Morocco, Egypt, DR Congo and several other countries backing his bid for another term in 2027.

• FIFA president Gianni Infantino faces growing opposition in Europe ahead of his 2027 re-election, with Africa's 54 votes becoming central to the contest.
• The Confederation of African Football (CAF) unanimously supports Infantino, giving him control of about 25.6% of FIFA's 211 votes, almost matching UEFA.
• European opposition increased after the collapse of Infantino's $20 billion FIFA Forward Enterprise plan due to concerns over governance and private investors.
• Infantino's strong financial record, highlighted by $15 billion in 2026 World Cup revenues, strengthens his case, but a united African vote could be decisive if European opposition holds.

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed its support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino despite growing opposition from several European football federations following the collapse of the FIFA Forward Enterprise investment plan.

CAF said in April that all 54 of its member associations had unanimously backed Infantino for the 2027-2031 term and has since dismissed suggestions that support for him in Africa may be weakening.

Africa controls about 25.6% of FIFA’s 211 votes, almost matching UEFA’s 55 associations. Each FIFA member has one vote regardless of its population, football success or financial strength.

However, while CAF has maintained a united continental position, only a handful of African football associations have individually and publicly backed Infantino and his proposals.

Europe turns against Infantino

Infantino’s position has weakened in Europe, where England, Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Wales, Serbia, Greece, Albania and Croatia have withdrawn support or indicated they will not back him.

Romania and the Czech Republic have also expressed reservations, while Jordan has emerged as a notable opponent outside Europe.

The growing opposition followed controversy over FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial company that would have brought together FIFA’s broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing and other commercial businesses.

FIFA valued the proposed operation at about $20 billion. Under the plan, private investors could have bought up to 20% of the company for about $4.2 billion, while FIFA retained majority control.

European football officials raised concerns over governance, consultation and the prospect of private investors gaining exposure to FIFA’s lucrative World Cup business.

The backlash eventually forced FIFA to shelve the proposal and apologise over how the process was handled.

The controversy has come despite FIFA’s strong financial performance. The 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico generated an estimated $15 billion in revenue, above earlier expectations of about $11 billion.

The record revenues have strengthened Infantino’s argument that FIFA can channel more money to national associations, particularly those with smaller domestic football economies.

$40 million offer raises stakes for Africa

For African football federations, however, the proposed plan carried a major financial incentive.

FIFA told its 211 members that participating associations could receive up to $40 million during the 2027-2030 cycle.

That included as much as $20 million in one-off funding and another $20 million through FIFA Forward development programmes.

Infantino also proposed increasing FIFA’s broader development commitments to more than $10 billion over four years, compared with about $2.7 billion under the existing framework.

The offer is particularly significant in Africa, where many football associations depend on FIFA funding to develop stadiums, pitches, training facilities and football administration.

“Malawi needs money. Malawi needs stadiums,” Malawi Football Association president Fleetwood Haiya said while defending greater FIFA investment.

Against that backdrop, Morocco, Egypt and the Democratic Republic of Congo are among Infantino’s most visible African supporters, while Niger, Mauritania and Comoros have also voiced support.

Meanwhile, major football nations including Nigeria, South Africa, Algeria, Senegal, Ghana and Cameroon remain covered by CAF’s collective endorsement and have not publicly joined the revolt.