Africa Football Progress Key to Future Support for Infantino, Say Officials

African football officials say development—not internal governance disputes—should shape how they approach FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s leadership. Benin Football Federation president Marcellin Bocove told Reuters at the under-20 Women’s World Cup in Katowice, Poland, that Africa’s progress over the past decade is the track record they will use when forming positions. The comments come after a governance row tied to Infantino’s late-July plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, valued at $20 billion for commercial rights across FIFA events. Infantino later apologized for “errors” but defended the concept as a way to send more money to poorer federations. He has announced he will seek a fourth term in March 2027, with support from Africa and South America confederations.