Patrice Motsepe: An Inevitable Re-Election, A CAF in Transformation
On Wednesday, March 12, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) held its 14th Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, a pivotal meeting for the future of African football. While Patrice Motsepe’s re-election was a foregone conclusion, being the sole candidate, the battles for positions within the Executive Committee and the FIFA Council revealed underlying tensions and strategic maneuvering.
Motsepe: A Firm Grip on Power but Growing Dissent
Having ascended to the CAF presidency in 2021 through a consensus orchestrated by FIFA and Gianni Infantino, the South African billionaire has established himself as a central figure in African football governance. His economic track record speaks for itself, with the federation’s finances stabilizing and African competitions gaining increased visibility. However, critics argue that his leadership remains overly centralized and influenced by external stakeholders.
“We still have much work to do to make African football globally competitive,” Motsepe stated following his re-election, emphasizing the need for a more independent CAF and enhanced governance structures.
Samuel Eto’o: A Rising Power in CAF Leadership
One of the major talking points of the assembly was Samuel Eto’o’s appointment to the CAF Executive Committee. Initially rejected due to a prior conviction related to match-fixing allegations, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) reinstated his candidacy, paving the way for his election by acclamation.
The former FC Barcelona striker and current president of the Cameroon Football Federation (FECAFOOT) is poised to play a significant role in CAF’s strategic direction. While he did not secure the position of vice president, he is expected to lead a key commission within the organization.
The Big Losers: Senghor and Diallo Ousted
While figures like Morocco’s Fouzi Lekjaa and Egypt’s Hany Abou Rida retained their seats on the FIFA Council, others faced a dramatic downfall. Senegal’s Augustin Senghor and Ivory Coast’s Yacine Idriss Diallo, both well-established within African football governance, were sidelined in favor of rising figures such as Niger’s Djibrilla Hima Hamidou—commonly known as “Colonel Pelé”—and Mauritania’s Ahmed Yahya.
This shift in the FIFA Council’s composition signals a realignment of power, with emerging figures gaining ground in shaping the future of African football.
What Lies Ahead for CAF?
While this assembly solidified Motsepe’s control over CAF, it also underscored shifting alliances and growing friction among African federations. The organization’s quest for independence from FIFA, reforming African competitions, and managing commercial rights remain pressing challenges for this new term.
The coming months will be crucial in determining whether CAF, under Motsepe’s leadership and with influential figures like Eto’o on board, can truly assert its autonomy and elevate African football globally.
