Gianni Infantino offered shock lifeline as under-fire FIFA chief's World Cup final plan pays off

The Confederation of African Football executive committee has "unanimously reconfirmed" support in Gianni Infantino, after widespread calls for the FIFA president to lose his job. The 56-year-old executive sparked outrage last week with proposals to sell a stake of the World Cup to private investors.

The move, which was dubbed the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' was swiftly met with widespread criticism, with UEFA vowing to boycott the tournament outright should plans have proceeded. The backlash ultimately prompted Infantino to shelve his proposals, which he dubbed to be an act of consolation rather than concrete plans that World Football were planning on rolling out.

However, that hasn't prevented the Italian from seeing calls for his axing in the days since, with furious football fans and governing bodies outraged by the notion. Having held an emergency meeting in Rabat, executives instilled their faith in Infantino, sharing a scathing public statement which hit out at "attacks on its integrity."

It read: "As previously communicated, the FFE proposal, which would have been subject to the approval of the FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council, is now off the table.

"With the project withdrawn, it was agreed that FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation.

"There are always lessons to be learned, and FIFA will continue to improve its processes in light of this experience. In this instance, however, it is important to stress that, although mistakes were made, everything that was done was done in full compliance with the FIFA regulatory framework."

And now, CAF have reaffirmed their commitment to Infantino with a statement of their own, in a major boost to the likelihood of the head of World Football retaining his job. It read: "The CAF EXCO also unanimously reconfirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and thanked him for his support for African Football, over the years.

JOIN US ON FACEBOOK! Latest news, analysis and much more on Mirror Football's Facebook page

"President Infantino, the FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström and the FIFA Administration were also thanked for organizing a very successful FIFA World Cup 2026."

The President of CAF, Dr Patrice Motsepe, also said: "CAF welcomes and endorses the 'Joint Update' by FIFA President Gianni Infantino and Secretary General Mattias Grafström. CAF will continue to focus on making African Football amongst the best in the world and is reaffirming its commitment to adhering to global governance, transparency and auditing best practices.

"For us in Africa, adherence to governance, due process and transparency is crucial and non-negotiable, as this is the practice and conduct we expect from our governments, business and other institutions and organisations. This is also the conduct that is expected from CAF.

We are committed to continue working together with FIFA, its Member Associations, other Football Confederations and stakeholders to safeguard and adhere to governance, due process, and transparency global best practises and to contribute to the development and growth of Football worldwide.

"CAF will also continue to focus on developing our boys and girls football players, coaches and trainers, the National Teams of our 54 Member Associations and the amateur and professional leagues on the African Continent. Good progress is being made in discussions with our current and new sponsors, partners and investors to ensure that CAF continues to be financially self-supporting and independent and that stadiums and other Football infrastructure is constructed and upgraded.

"Progress is also being made in the preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (“AFCON”) Kenya Tanzania Uganda (“PAMOJA”) and other CAF Competitions."

It comes as Africa have remained one of Infantino's biggest supporters since his election a decade ago, with the 2030 World Cup set to be held across Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Infantino has also offered Morocco the chance to host the final of the tournament at their brand-new 115,000-seat Hassan II stadium in Casablanca.